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Post by โฅ๐๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ฑโ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ขโฅ on Mar 25, 2022 11:30:41 GMT -5
Allegiances: Leader:
โขTinystar- Small tan molly with white ears. Has pretty amber eyes.(45 Moons.)
Deputy: โขGorsestreak- Large black tom with green eyes. (50 Moons.)
Medicine Cat: โขMinnowfeather- Beautiful brown tabby she-cat with one white paw and lilac eyes. (50 Moons)
Medicine Apprentice: โขOwlpaw- Large fluffy white Tom with a black mask across his eyes. Has sharp blue eyes. (6 Moons)Warriors:โขCloverleaf-Large white and brown molly with yellow eyes. (70 Moons) โขRunningtuft- Lithe and long-legged tan Tom with black paws, muzzle and ears. Has ice-blue eyes. (70 Moons)โขFoxheart- Large orange tabby Tom with black toes and faint yellow eyes. (45 Moons)โขShadowstorm- Curly-furred black Tom with a white mask over his face. Has dark amber eyes.(51 Moons)โขCrowblaze- Black tom with orange specks along his flank. Has large tan eyes. (45 Moons)โขPigeonstream- Lanky blue molly with bright green eyes. (40 Moons)โขLightstep- Small brown molly with white paws and pretty hazel eyes. (29 Moons)โขWrenclaw-Light brown Tom with hazel eyes. (29 Moons) โขSandberry- Medium sized tan molly with (19 Moons) โขDuskwhisker- Silver molly with brown eyes. (14 Moons) โขAppleheather- Long-furred orange Molly with darker splashes. Has dark green eyes. (35 Moons) โขBirdflight- Small brown tortoiseshell molly with light green eyes. (29 Moons) โขBrokenmoth- Creamy tom with darker cream colored paws. Has amber eyes. Has a Permanent limp. (19 Moons) โขShadestorm- Brown tabby tom with no whiskers. Has one blue and one green eyes. (50 Moons) โขMoonsplash- Large pure white tom with frost blue eyes. (40 Moons)
Apprentices: โขSalmonpaw-Large grayish blue tom with large amber eyes. (7 Moons)โขStarlingpaw- Lanky black molly with dark green eyes. (7 Moons)โขSnakepaw- Beautiful bright ginger Molly with amber eyes.(6 Moons)โขDewpaw- Speckled ginger and white tom with green eyes. (6 Moons) โขBlossompaw-Creamy tan Molly with green eyes. (8 Moons) โขQuietpaw- Brown and tan mottled tom with white paws and tan eyes. (8 Moons)
Queens: โขRavenstone-Pure black molly with jade green eyes. (45 Moons.) โขFawnstream-Pale tan molly with amber eyes. (45 Moons)โขFrostbriar- Beautiful long-furred white molly with blue and cream tints to her fur. Has lilac colored eyes. Heavily expecting.(40 Moons)
Kits: โขEchokit- Fluffy white Molly with jade green eyes. (3 Moons)โขCricketkit- Small mute fluffy white and black splotched tom with light blue eyes. (3 Moons)โขDarkkit- Large orange tom with black flecks and deep amber eyes. (4 Moons)โขFalconkit-Orange and tan splotched tom with green eyes. (4 Moons)โขSandkit-Small tan Molly with an orange muzzle and yellow eyes.(4 Moons)
Elders: โขSnowthroat- Large black bob-tailed Tom with white throat and faded blue eyes. (120 Moons.)โขAshcloud-Gray molly with white splotches. Has one green eye. (100 Moons.) โขCopperear-Black and orange mackerel tabby Tom with blind amber eyes. (79 Moons)โขCindercloud- Fluffy gray molly with yellow eyes. (100 Moons) โขScorchberry- Dark russet red tom with cream-tipped ears and tail. Has orange eyes. (98 Moons)
Outsiders: โขRock- Smokey black molly, missing her right back leg. Has gray eyes. (70 Moons)โขRapid- Black and white dappled Molly with green eyes.(53 Moons.)โขCrooked- Mottled brown tom with light green eyes and a crooked smile. (67 Moons)โขWind-Pale gray Molly with tan eyes. (20 Moons) โขLark- Dark gray tom with green eyes. (20 Moons) โขCreekswipe-Muddy brown Tom with white paws. Has tan eyes. (50 Moons)
Starclan: โขLeafstar~Small brown tabby Molly with deep green eyes. First leader of Leafclan. โขDreamseeker~Beautiful white molly with silver tabby markings. Has deep blue eyes. First medicine cat of Leafclan.โขThunderstrike~Large long-furred black tom with orange paws and sharp yellow eyes. First Deputy of Leafclan.โขOwlflight~Average built white tom with one single brown streak down his spine. Has green eyes. Second Deputy of Leafclan. โขBrokenwater-Black tom with blue eyes. โขRowanheather-Ginger tom with black flecks and green eyes.โขHoneybelly-Tan molly with amber eyes.โขDriftice-White tom with black toes and violet eyes. โขDappledwish-Brown tabby Molly with sea-green eyes. โขRapidpetal-White molly with light brown petal like markings dappled along her flank. Has lilac colored eyes. โขOakpaw-Brown tabby Tom with white paws. Has amber eyes. โขLynxpaw-Gray molly with dark blue eyes. โขDovekit-Gray and white striped Molly with green eyes. โขDeerkit-Light brown and tan speckled tom with amber eyes. โขCloudKit-White tom with black flecks and blue eyes. โขWinterkit-Black Molly with white flecks and blue eyes.
Darkforest: โขPikefall-Dark gray tom with deep green eyes.โขFlowerhawk-Tan Molly with brown specks. Has beautiful amber eyes.โขQuietcall-Beautiful white Molly with pale gray eyes. โขTalondapple- Brown tabby tom with orange eyes. โขMaplemoon-Calico Molly with large silver eyes. Extras: โขFamilyโข |Leafstar & Thunderstrike|=Talondapple, Brokenwater, Dapplewish and Snowthroat. |Owflight & Honeybelly|=Oakpaw and Flowerhawk. |Flowerhawk & Brokenwater|=Rapidpetal, Cloverleaf &Runningtuft| |Rapidpetal & Rowanheather|= Tinystar, Foxheart & Fawnsteam. |x & x|= Minnowfeather, Shadestorm & Creekswipe. |x & x|= Cindercloud & Ashheart. |x & x|= Pigeonstream, Moonsplash & Frostbriar. |x & x|=Crowblaze & Ravenstone |x & x|= Shadowstorm |x & x|= Birdflight, Wrenclaw & Lightstep |x & x|= Sandberry & Brokenmoth |x & x|= Appleheather |x & x|=Duskwhisker |Pigeonstream & Gorsestreak|=Salmonpaw, Starlingpaw, Lynxkit & Dovekit |Tinystar & Creekswipe|= Blossompaw, Quietpaw & Deerkit. |Appleheather & Moonsplash|= Snakepaw, Dewpaw & Owlpaw |Ravenstone & Shadowstorm|= Echokit & Cricketkit. |Fawnstream & Crowblaze|= Darkkit, Falconkit & Sandkit.
โขMentor-Apprenticeโข |Salmonpaw-Foxheart| |Starlingpaw-Pigeonstream| |Snakepaw-Tinystar| |Dewpaw-Birdflight| |Blossompaw-Gorsestreak| |Quietpaw-Runningtuft|
โขMatesโข
|Tinystar~Creekswipe| |Pigeonstream~Gorsestreak| |Appleheather~Moonsplash| |Ravenstone~Shadowstorm| |Fawnstream~Crowblaze| |Frostbriar~Foxheart| โขLeafclan Historyโข
Leafclan is a a strong clan, full of both strong warriors, built with muscle and power, To lithe and fast warriors, That are quick in trees and strong swimmers. It is full of the strong-minded and the sweet-souled. They are known for their strength and knowledge as well as their strong loyalty to their clan. Leafclan was started by a loner named Leaf, who had lost her family during an attack by some greedy foxes. Remembering stories that her mother had told her, of groups of cats, called clans, the she-cat started out in search of the perfect home, gathering cats along the way to form her own version of a clan. One day, the groups healer, as they called her, Had a dream, of a long journey, to this beautiful oak forest, sitting beside a lake of water. Watching the sky light up, as the sun went down into the water, The she-cat knew, she had seen the home they were looking for. Heading through a long terrain of rivers and thunderpaths, as well as sheering cliffs and twolegplaces, The band of cats traveled, Going off of small visions and signs from Dream(The Healer). Eventually, after moons of journeying, the group finally came to the body of water that Dream had dreamt about. With much hope and excitement, the strongest cats went out and searched their new territory, until they found the perfect camp. Finding the perfect landmarks and spots for hunting and tainig their young. After about a moons worth of time, Leaf found herself out and about with Dream, when they came across a cave, halfway up a rocky slope, with a river of water, streaming out of the cave and down the rocks, into a pool of water that was surrounded by boulders. Inside the cave, a river of water seemed to come from the earth, to flow out of the cave, to the pool below. Sitting at the edge of the cave, she found a small crystalized rock, where she found the calling to lay down and press her front paws against it. After that moment, Leaf became Leafstar and was granted nine lives and learned the terms and code of what is was to be a leader and a clan. She met her ancestors and taught her cats all there was to know of being a clan. Soon after, the healer of the group, Dream, became Dreamseeker. Sharing tongues with Starclan and learning from, all the ways to heal and care for her clan and took on the role of a medicine cat. After that day, The Medicine cat and Leader decided that the proper name for their band of warriors, would be Leafclan.
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Post by โฅ๐๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ฑโ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ขโฅ on Mar 25, 2022 11:41:24 GMT -5
[Map created by Leafclan member- Fallenleaves ]- The Oak Forest~ The oak forest, is home of the Leafclan. Deep in the forest, sits the Leafclan camp. Tucked away among the trees, in a huge bramble secured clearing. Sits in the middle of the Moonlite Sea and the Whispering Canyon. There is plenty of places for prey to be found in the forest. From Birds, to mice and shrews. Even rabbits. You must watch out for the dangers that hide there as well. From badgers, to foxes and wolves, even rogues and loners often venture into Leafclan territory. During Greenleaf, twolegs and their dogs will come exploring the dark forest. At the edge of the Oak forest, sits a twoleg campground. Often only used in the green-leaf season.
- The Leafclan Camp~ Sits tucked away at the back of the Oak Forest. The camp rests in a large clearing, where four very large oaks sit. The camp is protected by this large barrier/wall of thorny brambles and sticks and rocks around the four oak trees, leaving the camp entrance to be this thorny gorse tunnel, big enough for only one cat to slip through at a time(to prevent a large number attacking them at once) And The Oaks stand in certain areas. Half the dens are created among the roots of the oaks. A small opening rests at the back of camp, where the dirtplace is located. opening into a protected bramble clearing.
- The Tall Spruce~ Sits near the Leafclan camp. Heading towards the twoleg clearing. The Tall Spruce sits in an open clearing within eye distance of the Harmony Stream. This tree is used for the apprentices to learn how to fight and hunt among the trees. As well as learning how to climb.
- Harmony Stream~ In the same clearing as the Tall Spruce, within eye distance. But heading in the direction of the Moonlite sea. Harmony stream is a somewhat shallow stream that runs off of the moonlite Sea and straight past the tall spruce and into the twoleg clearing. That is where the apprentices practice fishing and training in water combat.
- Moonlite Sea~ This is where the first ever medicine cat found that her clan would come to be at in a dreams. It has a large open clearing, between the sea and the oak forest. This is to the west of the camp and is where they go to catch fish, birds, and water shrews and voles. As well as to collect water based herbs. Dangers of large birds, Badgers, Foxes, as well as rats and adders, lay in this part of the territory. Clan cats often come here to find peace or enjoy the presence of the ones they love. When a clan cat dies, they are brought to this location, and the clan cats share tongues with them as the sun sets and the cats of starclan appear in the skies. At dawn, they bury their dead together, at the edge of the forest.
- The Badger Sets~ Rests at the edge of the Oak forest, near the Moonlite Sea. At the very edge of the clearing. Far enough away from where the clan buries their dead, to not be a danger. Most apprentices are brought here on their first day of training, to learn the scents of a badger and how dangerous they are. Often used by badgers in the green-leaf season. But abandoned by leaf-fall. Once in awhile, occupied by a fox or two during the leaf-bare season.
- Whispering Canyon~ This is the cliffside where the Starcave, shimmering pool and the Sacred rock are located. This is to the east of the clan. There is a small pathway that leads down to the starcave and the Shimmeringpool to the right side of the Cliffface. Clan cats can often find bigger birds here. One must be careful of hawks, Falcons, Eagles, and Owls. As they will prey on a lone cat, especially a young one. Apprentices are only allowed this way with a warrior present. Most only come when they accompany the medicine cat or leader when they need to share tongues with Starclan. About a quarter of a days journey from Camp.
- The Starcave~ Near the top of the Whispering Canyon. Inside the cave, is the crystalized rock, that they use to share tongues with their ancestors. Its sits next to the stream of water, that comes from the earth, to trail out of the cave and down the cliff, to the pool below. The cave is large enough for many cats to sit inside. Usually a leader or medicine cats. Apprentices must make a journey to the Starcave, one time before becoming a warrior. Often Apprentices sit inside with the leader or medicine cat, to watch over them as they share tongues with Starclan, while warriors sit at the bottom of the canyon to keep watch.
- The Sacred Rock~ Crystalized rock, in the Starcave. Where they share tongues with Starclan. Located half hidden at the back of the cave, near the stream that runs from the wall of the cave. Leaders and Medicine cats stretch out and touch their front paws and nose to the rock, to share tongues with starclan.
- The Shimmering Pool~ At the bottom of the Whispering canyon, surrounded by boulders. The stream that runs from the starcave, falls down the rocky slope, among a pool of water, that is held there by large boulders. The rocks are wonderful to sun on. The water from the shimmering pool is very fresh and cool. Warriors often sit here to keep watch, while the medicine cats or leader climb to the starcave to share tongues with Starclan.
- The Twoleg Clearing~ On the far side of the Oak forest, Between the Moonlite Sea and the Whispering canyon. This is a twoleg area where every Leaf-green it is filled with two legs and their dogs. The cats have to be very very careful when they come this way during Leaf-Green. Twolegs often bring their dogs and sometimes even kittypets with them.
- The Farmhouse~ The opposite direction of The Twoleg Clearing, sitting between the Moonlite Sea and the Whispering Canyon. At the edge of the trees is moorland, and then a meadow. Sitting amongst the hilly land, is a large farmhouse with acres of land that includes horses, dogs, cows, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits. As well as other cats and twolegs. Here the Twolegs grow crops and take care of the animals. This territory has some very valuable herbs.
- Leaders Den~ The Leaders Den is located in the far left corner of the camp, furthest away from any other den. It rests between the meeting stump and the Medicine Cats Den. The leaders den is a small hallowed out den among one of the large oak trees roots, that once was a home to a fox. It large enough to squeeze about 4 cats in it.
- Medicine Cat's Den~ The Medicine Cats den is a straight shot from the camp entrance. It is located at the very far end of camp, at the back, in between the Elders Den and the Leaders Den. The medicine cats den is made of two large cleared out bushes, that are together, and re-enforced by a barrier of woven twigs and brambles. Can fit about 5 or 6 sick cats in the one bush. The connecting bush is blocked off by a wall of bramble, leaving a tiny entrance for the medicine cat. This is where both the medicine cat and her apprentice sleep. They had dug a small hole to store their herbs into the roots of one of the large oak trees, as the bush where the medicine cats sleep, rests on top of the roots.
- Elder's Den~ The Elders Den sits between the Apprentices Den and the Medicine Cats Den. This way they can be closest to the cats that take care of them the most. They live in a hallowed out tree stump, surrounded by a thick bramble barrier to keep them warm and safe. The stump is slightly raised above the earth, as if it was uprooted at one point. This den is the second safest and warmest den.
- Apprentice's Den~ The Apprentices Den sits between the Elders Den and the Nursery. It is a hallowed out bush, re-enforced by brambles and twigs. Sits in front of another bush, That can be used to expand, if need be.
- Nursery~ The nursery sits between the Warriors Den and the Apprentices Den. The nursery is a tunneled out hole among the roots of one of the Large oaks. Inside is cushioned with moss, ferns, and feathers, keeping it nice and cozy for the queens and their kits. Large enough for at least 3-4 queens and their kits. A thorny bramble tunnel was created, to make it harder for enemies to get into the nursery. Only one cat can fit through at a time. Feathers have been woven into the tunnel, to make it more appealing for the queens.
- Warrior's Den~ The Warriors Den sits closest to the Camp entrance. It is a dug out cove into the hill of where the meeting stump is located. It is the most open area in camp, making it easier for the warriors to watch and protect the rest of the camp.
- The Great Stump~ The Great stump is located on a hilly area, between the camp entrance and the leaders den. Closest to the Warriors Den. There is a Large Oak Tree resting a little ways behind the Meeting stump. This is wear the Leaders stands for meetings with the clan.
- Fresh-Kill Pile~ The Fresh Kill Pile is a dug out hole, among the roots of the great oak that rests behind the meeting stump.
- The Dirtplace~ A small opening at the back of the camp, near the Elders Den, where the clan can slip out and make dirt in a protected bramble clearing.
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Post by โฅ๐๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ฑโ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ขโฅ on Sept 1, 2022 15:13:00 GMT -5
The Chapters~
โขPrologueโข
โBlood will be shed, as the feather falls, and darkness will mask the clan for seasons to come.โ
The Ominous words seemed to float in the breeze as the brown tabby Molly stood at the edge of Moonlite sea, eyes flashing to the sky. Her eyes big round pools, reflecting the moon as it burned brightly in the vast open sky. It was a warning she had heard many times, since the moment she started her apprenticeship. Yet, seasons had come and gone and the prophecy continued to haunt her dreams.
It was the warm sticky feeling between her toes, that broke her gaze from the sky and turned panicked eyes to her paws. Blood seemed to seep from the earth, soaking her one white paw red. Scrambling backwards to get away from the blood, darkness crashed around her as a heavy cloud masked the light of the moon. Breathing heavily, the Molly couldnโt help but let out a frustrated yowl. โWhat does it mean.? Starclan, what are you trying to tell me.?โ
As if answering her, the scent of her previous mentor, who she had just helped bury so many moons before, seemed to wrap around her. Opening her maw to speak, the grief stricken Molly found her mouth dry and her stomach twisting. While she knew best that clan cats must go when Starclan calls, she couldnโt help but feel bitter that they had taken her friend and mentor from her. โHelp me understand, Dreamseeker. Please.โ
โRemember, My sweet Minnowfeather. Even the ones who seem most trustworthy, can be dangerous in the end.โ
โWait! Who are you talking about.? Dreamseeker! Please!โ Minnowfeatherโs frantic cries seemed to echo in the air as darkness seemed to suffocate her and Dreemseekerโs scent faded.
Scrambling awake to the feeling of a paw jabbing her flank, Minnowfeather looked up into small sharp blue eyes. Sitting up, she found herself staring at the fluffy white kit that often found his way into her den. His face almost hidden by the black mask that covered his eyes. Giving an amused purr, the medicine cat gave him a gentle nudge ,โOwlkit. What are you doing over here. Itโs not even Dawn yet. You know, youโre going to give your mother a fright when she awakens.โ
Fluffing out his white fur even more, Owlkit gave a huff. โI couldnโt sleep. I wanted to see if you could show me more herbs. Itโs so fascinating. Tell me more about Dreemseeker!โ How innocent the little tom looked as he gazed around her den in awe, whiskers twitching as he took in the scents of her herbs.
Getting to her paws, Minnowfeather couldnโt help but give an amused purr. For only being two moons old, Owlkit had immediately taken a fondness to her and healing. Heโd be at her side, from the moment he could start walking, trying to help her when anyone was injured. He would make a good apprentice for her, when the time was right.
โVery well, Owlkit. You might as learn now. Itโll be what consumes your life before you know it. You will be a powerful Medicine cat for Leafclan one day. I just know it.โ
โขChapter Oneโข
โCats of Leafclan, it is now the time for me to take on an apprentice of my own. As we all know, I will not be with you forever and it is time to pass my knowledge on to another.โ A soft voice, as gentle as a warm summer breeze filled the opening where the clan gathered. A sweep of lilac colored eyes touched each member of the clan as they listened to their medicine cat.
โIt is with great pleasure that I have chosen Owlpaw to be the next medicine cat of Leafclan. He has shown a great eagerness to learn and a passion for healing from the moment his paws could lead him to the medicine cats den.โ
Finishing her words, the brown tabby lifted her one white paw to gesture to a rather large 6 moon old fluffy white tom. Sharp blue eyes flickered with excitement, the black mask across his eyes, glinting in the sunlight. As a small tan Molly stepped up beside the medicine cat, white ears pricked up and amber eyes shining with approval.
โOwlpaw, do you accept the post as apprentice to Minnowfeather.?โ
โI do.โ The strong and steady voice of the newly named medicine cat apprentice filled the clearing.
Stepping forward, Minnowfeather stopped when she was only a mouse length away from Owlpaw. Lifting her head to the sky, she gave a faint nod before continuing, โWith tonight being the half-moon, we must travel to The Starcave to complete this ceremony before Starclan for you to be accepted as the new Medicine cat of Leafclan.โ
As she leaned down to touch noses with her newly named apprentice, Tinystar spoke with love and kindness, her voice booming with strength. โAnd the strength and wishes of the clan be with you in your journey to meet with Starclan.โ
As if on signal, the gathered felines cheered to the sky, eyes glowing with pride, strength and happiness. โOwlpaw! Snakepaw! Dewpaw! Owlpaw! Snakepaw! Dewpaw!โ
Next to Owlpaw, stood his sister Snakepaw, a beautiful bright ginger Molly. As well as his brother Dewpaw, a speckled ginger and white tom. As the clan gathered around them, chattering their congratulations and excitement to have more apprentices for the clan, Owlpaw couldnโt help but give his siblings a quick muzzle to the cheeks with a happy purr, before wiggling his way out of the crowd to meet up with Minnowfeather at the camp entrance.
With a final look back, Owlpaw took in a deep breath. This was it. This would be the beginning of his journey to become the greatest medicine cat that Leafclan had ever known. With that thought lingering in his mine, the pair slipped out of the gorse tunnel, thorns slightly tugging at their fur as they left the camp and their clan mates behind.
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By the time they reached the cliff side that held the hidden Starcave, Owlpaw felt as if his paws would fall off. He had never traveled outside of the camp before. Though, he had imagined this journey since he was only a moon old. His head had sunk slightly, paws scuffling through debris that littered the ground around them. He opened his maw to ask Minnowfeather how much further, when she came to a halt, looking up the rocky terrain before them.
โUp there, Owlpaw. See that trail winding up to that opening.? That is where the Starcave is. And within the cave, is The Sacred Rock.โ She pointed with her tail to the pathway, nudging him gently as she passed to lead him along. Her eyes seemed to shine with awe, even though she had done this many times before.
Finding a renewed sense of energy, the white Tom followed his mentor up the path, his paws slipping into seasons of paw marks from the members of Leafclan before him. As they reached the cave where he would share tongues with Starclan, Oakpaw held his breath. A sudden anxious feeling filled his chest, eyes flashing with sudden alarm. โWhat is they donโt accept me.?โ The question seemed to spill from him mouth without warning.
The question seemed to stop Minnowfeather in her tracks as she turned gentle eyes on him. Touching her nose to his ear, she spoke with a softness that he had heard so many times before. โNonsense, little one. Starclan will accept you with warmth and joy. You have so much to give Leafclan. They will see that.โ Wrapping her tail around his shoulders, she pulled him into the cave and towards a crystalized rock. Water tricked beside the shimmering stone, giving the tom a new sense of peace.
As if on cue with his mind, blue eyes met Lilac oneโs as Minnowfeatherโs voice filled the cave, introducing him to Starclan. His body burned with fear and pride as they went through the ceremony to seal his apprenticeship as the medicine cat.
โOwlpaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of Starclan and to take the path of healing as a Medicine cat.?โ
โIt is.โ
โWarriors of Starclan, I present to you this apprentice. He has chosen the path of a Medicine cat. Please grant him your wisdom and insight along the way, so he may understand your ways and heal his clan, and many more along his path.โ
Sweeping him towards the rock before them, Owlpaw touched his nose to the shimmering stone, cold shocking his body as he did so. As one, the two felines crouched on their bellies, front paws touching the stone, noses pressed gently against it. With a finally breath, Owlpaw closed his eyes and allowed darkness to fill him brain.
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โOwlpaw! Owlpaw! Owlpaw!โ
Faint voices swirled around in the young toms mind, slowly drawing closer. Louder. Stronger. When it felt like a thousand voices were buzzing in his ears, Owlpaw snapped his eyes open, jaw dropping in shock. All around him, stood more cats than he had ever seen in his 6 moons of life. All watching him with an affection of a mother watching her kit grow with pride. Stars seemed to cling to the pelts of the crowd, sunshine hitting his white fur as if to show him off to the Starclan warriors.
As a beautiful white and silver tabby stepped from the crowd, moving up to him, Owlpaw found himself holding his breath once more. His heart seemed to pound so hard against his chest, he swore it would burst through his fur at any moment. It wasnโt until she touched her nose to his, sending a surge of warmth through his body, that he finally relaxed.
โWelcome, Young Owlpaw. We approve of you. We welcome you as the newest Medicine cat of Leafclan. Train hard. Minnowfeather has much to teach you. Follow her guidance.โ While it looked as if the Starclan molly was speaking, it was as if the voice was coming from every direction. A darkness seemed to cloud her eyes blue eyes as they bore into his own. โYou have a dark path ahead of you. We see so many possibilities for your future. You know the right path. Choose it wisely. For if you donโt, darkness will cloud the clan for seasons to come.โ
Before he could even protest, the light that had warmed his flank only moments before, disappeared in the blink of an eye. Darkness crashed around him, the moment he felt the ground disappear beneath his paws. A cry of panic burst from him as he dropped in thin air. Crashing to the ground, breath knocked out of him, Owlpaw scrambled to his paws. A dimness seemed to surround him in a forest of pine. Dark liquid oozed beside him, in a River of black. Fur bristling, the white tom took a step away from the water, eyes darting around him.
โGreetings, Owlpaw. We wanted to take our turn in welcoming you.โ The low voice was almost demonic. Coming from the edge of the pines, where mist seemed to hide the figure the voice came from. Only large silver eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness. After a moment, a large calico Molly stepped out. Scars seemed to litter her face and body. While one ear was shredded all the way down to her head. โMy name is Maplemoon. And this is Flowerhawk.โ She paused to point at a tan and brown speckled Molly. Before moving to a brown Tabby tom. โAnd Talondapple.โ
โWeโve been watching you since you could walk across the nursery floor.โ This time, the voice seemed to slither out of Flowerhawk, as she trained her amber eyes on him โJust as Dreamseeker had told you a moment ago. You have so many possibilities for your future. And we would love to help you to become the great Medicine cat, we know you can be.โ
Hesitation filled Owlpaw as he swapped his gaze from one feline to the next. Each bore the marks of many battles. The looks of dark power seemed to twinkle in each of their gazes. โWho are you.? And why would you help me.? Is..Is this part of Starclan.?โ
A snicker seemed to erupt as Talondapple spoke, his words harsh. โDonโt be so foolish, Little kit. This is the dark forest.โ He flicked his tail, causing the newly named apprentice to snap his jaw shut before he could ask anymore. โDonโt believe all the horror stories your mother has told you. Some of us are here over simpleโฆMisunderstandings. We want nothing more than to see Leafclan thrive. And they will. Thrive. Under you,Owlpaw.โ
Once more, Maplemoon stepped forward, coming nose to nose with Owlpaw. Her voice turned to a sticky softness, sucking him in. โWe have so much more we can teach you, Little one. We will help guide you, in ways your mentor and Starclan cannot. We will help you grow in strength. As they help you grow in wisdom. You will save your clan. From so many things.โ In one motion, the Molly shoved him backwards into the sticky water that raged behind him โOf course. It will always be your choice, if you would like to walk this path of darkness in your dreams. You need only call for us. We will be there. Tell no one of this meeting.โ
The last words seemed to echo in his ears as the dark water lapped over his head, suffocating him. Only to send him scrambling awake, unharmed, breathing, in the cave where they met with Starclan. Blue eyes wide, he crouched panting for a moment, before forcing his fur to flatten and a calmness to return to his gaze. Beside him, his mentor started to stir awake and he wanted to give her reassurance that his dreams had been worn Starclan alone.
Starclan was right, he had many paths he could choose from. And it was his choice alone.
โขChapter 2โข
A moon had passed since the meeting with both Starclan and the dark forest members. All had been peaceful with the clan. Not one injury for Owlpaw to practice his new skills on. He had spent the better part of the moon learning herbs and their uses all over again. If he didnโt have a fondness for his mentor, heโd bite her head off with the repeated quizzes.
He was bored, if he was being honest with himself. He could name every herb, mixture and wound care there was. Of course, heโd been learning since the moment his paws could lead him to Minnowfeatherโs den. What more was there for him to learn.? Other than some battle techniques, which he still had not been taken out to learn.
He yearned for the day Minnowfeather would allow him to learn some battle moves with his siblings. No one had warned him how lonely it would be, once he became the apprentice to the medicine cat. She was great, but watching Snakepaw and Dewpaw bust into the camp with stories of their training each day, made him wish for more. More time with his family. More time with his clan mates. Yet, he continued to stick with Minnowfeather.
Turning his gaze to the brown tabby shape of his mentor, Owlpaw let out a soft sigh. He could tell from her twitching paws and panicked squeaks, she was being haunted by a nightmare again. Heโd watched her dream the same way, since he was a moon old. Waking her each morning from whatever chaos filled her mind. He continued to do so the last moon of his apprenticeship, sometimes leaving his nest in the middle of the night to her whimpers. It pained him to see her dreams so haunted. Yet, she never shared what the dream was about. Always brushing him off when he questioned her.
Now, as he moved to her nest, a large paw gently jabbing her in the side, he couldnโt help but shake his head. How he had went from being so tiny, to almost her size in just 7 moons time, he did not know. As she woke, blinking sleep from her eyes, he could tell she seemed to be thinking the same. Lilac eyes filled with a familiar warmth as she gazed at him, stretching in her nest before getting to her paws.
โYouโre growing too quickly. Youโre already almost bigger than me. And youโre still practically a kit.โ Her playful trill filled the den as she stretched again, before turning and grooming her ruffled fur.
Giving her a playfully shove with his shoulder, Owlpaw huffed, White fur fluffing up more to give him an even larger look. โNow, come on. Everyoneโs bigger than you Minnowfeather. Youโre one of the smallest in the clan. Besides Tinypaw, of course.โ
A paw swiped him over the ear before he could duck away, causing him to wrinkle his nose. A bark of laughter seemed to escape from his mentor, before spilling from him. โBeing smaller, gives you the advantage of speed. Remember that.โ
โSpeaking of speed. Could we possibly go out with the other apprentices today and do some battle training.? I know Iโve asked so many times before. But itโs been a moon. And shouldnโt I be able to know how to defend myself and my clan mates.?โ
Minnowfeather seemed to freeze at his question, taking a moment before sighing heavily, โA medicine cat does not fight. We heal.โ Lifting her tail before he could protest, she added with a twinkle to her eyes,โ However, you do need to know how to defend yourself. But I must tell you. A medicine cat has little battle training. We learn enough to use when needed. Not like the other apprentices and warriors of Leafclan. Understood.?โ
Nodding his head vigorously, Owlpaw couldnโt help but give an excited skip. He took the initiative to dip his head respectfully to his mentor, voice calm and understanding. โI understand, Minnowfeather. I learn what I need to learn. Got it.โ
Eagerly, the young white tom led his mentor from their den. Just as the pair pushed their way out of the bush, they were greeted by Frostbriar, a heavy expectant Queen. Her eyes seemed to swim with exhaustion as she waddled up to them. Owlpaw immediately circled the blue and cream tinted Molly, worry sparking in his belly. โFrostbriar. Are you alright.?โ
Waving him off with a single paw, the Molly sat down with a heavy sigh, โRelax, little one. Iโm alright. Just feeling a little worn out. Itโs hard carrying this load around.โ Glancing around with anxious lilac eyes, she turned her voice to a whisper, forcing the pair of medicine cats to prick their ears and listen close, โYou know Ravenstone is too proud to ever admit anything is wrong. But with Leaf-fall closing in. Thereโs bound to be sickness. We all know with the seasons change, brings trouble.โ
Minnowfeather nodded, tail tip twitching in impatience. โYes. Yes. Of course. What is it you are trying to say.? What is wrong with Ravenstone.โ
โYou see. Sheโs had a cough for a few sunrises now. And today sheโs slightly feverish. But she insists sheโs fine.โ Giving a frustrating shake of her head, the Molly muttered roughly,โ Sheโs thinking only of herself. Those kits will get sick if she stays in there. I could get sick. Please talk to her. Cricketkit and Echokit are old enough to eat prey now. Fawnstream and I will watch over her kits while she is with you.โ
With a nod, Minnowfeather turned to Owlpaw, seeing the disappointment in his eyes. โOwlpaw. Why donโt you go catch up with Tinystar and Snakepaw. I just saw them leave the camp. You may see if they will include you in battle training today. When you return, you can help me keep Ravenstone settled.โ Giving him a small wink, she purred softly, โRemember to listen and watch the others. Youโll catch on quickly. I look forward to hearing all about it when you return.โ
โ
It hadnโt taken him long to catch up with his sister and the leader and convince the pair to teach him some battle moves. While a part of him had hoped to train with Dewpaw as well, he took what he was given. Thanking Starclan under his breath, he followed the pair to where the tall spruce stood tall amongst the forest. He had been here only once before when Minnowfeather had first shown him around the territory. Now, he couldnโt help but look around the open clearing where Harmony stream stretched through the trees.
His awe was cut short as Tinystar spoke up, waving her tail to catch his attention, โOwlpaw. There are some basic moves you should know. For instance, if you are pinned, use the Belly Rake. This move will quickly help you weaken your opponent and give you the upper hand.โ Without warning, she turned on Snakepaw, swiping her paws out from under her and pinning her down teeth snapping shut inches from the apprentices face. A startled squeak escaped his sister, but she quickly wrapped her front paws around Tinystarโs neck, tucking her own head to shield her throat. With strong and fast kicks, she scraped her back paws against the softest part of the leaders belly, keeping her claws sheathed.
Watching the pair with wide blue eyes, the young tom took in every movement. He watched his sisterโs kicks, while taking a note that Tinystar was losing her breath. When the tan Molly gave the command to stop, the mentor and apprentice broke apart, both panting. An amused purr escaped his throat at the sight of Snakepaw, bright ginger fur sticking up in every direction from the scuffle.
โRemember, to always be aware of your surroundings. You never know what will happen. Owlpaw, why did I get the upper hand on Snakepaw just now.?โ
โBecause she was distracted. She was not expecting you to attack.?โ While the answer came out as a nervous question, he was pretty sure of his answer. He met Tinystarโs gaze with bright eyes. The pride that flittered in her amber gaze was enough to let him know that he was correct.
Nodding slightly, she moved to sit down on a rock by the stream near them, โVery good, Owlpaw. Now, I want you to try. Snakepaw, I want you to be the one to attack. Owlpaw. Remember to use strong swift kicks with your back legs. And keep your throat protected. Tuck your head. And always. Keep your claws sheathed in training.โ
He barely got the nod out and turned to Snakepaw when ginger fur flashed in the corner of his eye. By the time he had turned to where she was, he found his legs swiped out from under him and his sisters fur in his face. Panicked welled up in his stomach as he tried to wrap his paws around her neck, as she did to Tinystar. With her being smaller than him, she quickly dodged his paws before lunging, snapping her teeth close to his neck. Closing his eyes tight, he expected to feel the pain of her teeth, but then her weight disappeared from him and he rolled back onto his paws.
Looking up, disappointment clouded his thoughts at not having done the move right. He glanced between the two, expecting to see disappointment in their eyes as well. Yet, there was only patience and understanding. โCan I try again.?โ
A quick nod came from the leader, before he squared his shoulders and flicked his ears in a signal to Snakepaw to do it again. He was determined to get her this time. A slight smile seemed to form on his maw as the Molly jumped at him again. This time he fell with her, paws wrapping around her neck and legs already kicking at her belly before his back hit the ground. Shock seemed to spark in her amber eyes as she tried to wiggle free, finding herself locked in his front paws.
As quickly as it had started, Tinystar signaled for them to stop. โVery good. That was wonderful, Owlpaw. It was smart of you to use the time of her attacking to wrap your paws around her and bring her down with you.โ Getting up, delicate paws padded across the clearing to where the two stood, eyes bright and ears twitching, โI think youโll really like this next..โ
She was quickly cut off by the thundering of paws. Whipping around, Owlpaw came face to face with a patrol made of the deputy, a few warriors and Blossompaw. Crowblaze, one of the warriors had a nasty scratch across his eyebrow. Before anyone could speak, Gorsestreak flicked his tail for Tinystar to follow ,โItโs Creekswipe. Heโs attacked a hunting patrol with his rogue friends. The patrol managed to escape, but him and his rats took the entire catch.โ
Tinystar let out a snarl and turned to Owlpaw and Snakepaw, โSnakepaw. Take your brother back to camp. I must deal with this immediately.โ Turning to the patrol, she flicked her tail aggressively to Crowblaze ,โLead me to where he attacked you. Now.โ
As the patrol started to leave, Blossompaw quickly muttered to the pair,โI would hurry back. Dewpaw was on that patrol. And he was injured pretty badly.โ Her words flew behind her as she hurried after her mentor and the rest of the patrol.
Owlpaw hardly let his sister lead him, paws carrying him through the forest at such a speed, it was if he had traveled the path for seasons. His fur bristled as he thought of the injuries he might find when he returned to the camp. The camp that he had left so peacefully. Determination filled his chest as Snakepawโs fur brushed his, catching up with him.
He would do everything he could to heal his brother. He would not die at his paws. He would make sure of it. Starclan wouldnโt take Dewpaw so quickly. He had so much more to give to Leafclan. Owlpaw was sure of that.
โขChapter Threeโข
The sight that Owlpaw walked into was one that would be burned into his brain for many moons to come. One that would shape him into the Medicine cat he needed to become for himself and his clan. His sharp blue eyes found four different bodies, scattered in the clearing. All breathing, but blood welling from wounds that scattered on their bodies. Yet, his gaze was looking for a small ginger and white tom. His brother was the only one that was drilled into his brain. Where was he.? Where was Minnowfeather.?
Hurrying to the medicine cat's den, with his sister right on his heels, the tom burst in to find his mentor with her paws shoving moss and cobwebs against a nasty wound in Dewpaw's stomach. Blood pooled a stain into the floor of the den around the pair, Minnowfeather's one white paw was drenched red from the blood that spilled from the wound. Her voice sounded fuzzy in his ears as he stumbled up to them ,"Come on, Dewpaw. Stay with me. Starclan. This bleeding is not stopping. Owlpaw! Thank our ancestors you are here. Grab me some more cobwebs, quickly. We have to get this bleeding under control. NOW!"
Shaking out of his daze, the white tom moved to the sores and wrapped a swath of cobwebs over his paw. Hobbling over to his mentor and injured brother, he joined her, pressing his paws against the wound, putting as much pressure as he could. He could feel the stickiness of the blood that had gathered into a puddle below them. Swallowing the lump gathering in his throat, Owlpaw gazed down at Dewpaw, who was breathing heavily. The rasps that came from the apprentice's chest, caused an ache in his own ,"We've got you, Dewpaw. It's going to be okay."
The words had hardly left his maw when a deep shuddering breath passed through Dewpaw's ginger and white speckled body. Green eyes started to fade as the life left the little tom. Shaking with despair and grief, Owlpaw felt the touch of his mentor's paw on his shoulder as she murmured a sad apology. Snakepaw's pained yowl seemed to shake the air around them as she crouched at Dewpaw's head, pressing her nose into his fur as Owlpaw whispered to his brother's lifeless body, "I'm..I'm sorry, Dewpaw. I'm sorry I couldn't save you."
After a deep shuddering breath and a moment to be with his siblings, Owlpaw forced himself to his paws and turned to Minnowfeather, who had created leaf bundled poultices to take to the other injured warriors. He moved up to the bundles and picked up the first one, moving at what felt like slow motion to the first injured warrior. Appleheather, his mother. She lay panting, multiple scratches along her spine and sides. They weren't terribly deep and his father, Moonsplash had already cleaned them.
With a throat that felt closed with sadness as he gazed into the eyes of his parents, he couldn't help but notice their own grief-stricken gazes. They knew. They had heard Snakepaw's cry. Forcing himself to look away, the young tom carefully but quickly dressed his mothers wounds, before moving to Cloverleaf, who's muzzle dripped with blood from a nasty scratch. Carefully, he cleaned and dressed her chin, murmuring orders for her to come twice daily to get it looked at and redressed.
Looking up, he watched as Minnowfeather tending to both Brokenmoth and Birdflight, both younger warriors. Crowblaze had taken out a decent sized hunting patrol, and yet, Creekswipe had still overtaken them, and killed an apprentice. It was the sound of paws that had the large tom looking up to see Tinystar storming into camp with Crowblaze, Gorsestreak, Runningtuft and Shadestorm. Blossompaw trailed at the rear, tail and head drooping. The group looked disappointed and defeated. It was clear they had not found the rogues.
"Come, Crowblaze. Lets tend to that wound. We don't want it to get infected." Owlpaw cleaned the scratch as the tom moved close, before gently putting the poultice against the wound ,"It should heal quickly. But come back for the next few sunrises for me to take a look at it." When he got a nod of understanding from the warrior, the medicine cat apprentice moved back to his parents. His sadness seemed to grow in his chest as he sat close to them.
"It seems that Creekswipe has recruited more rogues and loners. The group that attacked our hunting patrol was large, made of at least ten." The voice was Tinystar, while the leader was small, her voice was powerful ,"While we must address and deal with this. We have something else to take care of first." The tan molly waved her tail towards the medicine cat den as Sandberry and Duskwhisker brought the tiny lifeless body of Dewpaw to the center of camp. Setting him down, they adjusted him as if he was just sleeping. "Tonight, we must hold vigil and mourn the loss of one of our young apprentices."
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