Here's everything else I had:
The third issue of the newspaper
Adds
forums.warriorcats.com/topic/have-some-motivation?reply=442097005487931148#442097005487931148.battlingFear
forums.warriorcats.com/topic/doubt-short-song-inspired-story-part-1-3-upADD
Arcticbreeze Fan Fiction:
forums.warriorcats.com/topic/rise-of-the-clansAuthor of the Month:
This month's Author Of The Month is Mosspool. I like her/him because of her/his interesting ideas, and they decided to share them with all the forumers, in the WFF Summer Beach Bash. I'm excited for this summer, and I can't wait to see more fiction from Mosspool! Until next time, goodbye!
forums.warriorcats.com/topic/the-heir-of-scourge-a-warriors-fanfiction-wip-dnp?page=1Here is .battlingFear's interview regarding ɨ ώɨŁŁ ƒǿŁŁǿώ ɨɲ ɦɨȿ ρąώȿƮƹρȿ ~ Ʈɦƹ ɦƹɨř ǿƒ ȿȼǿµřǥƹ
Jackalstep’s interview with .battlingFear:
1. How did you first come up with the idea for "I Will Follow In His Pawsteps"?
Since it was so long ago that I started this story, my memory is a bit fuzzy. I think it was because Scourge was my favorite character (since I found him deliciously evil). I do remember wondering what happened to BloodClan after The Darkest Hour... so that led me to create for him a son, I believe. Honestly, it's pretty fuzz. cx
2. How do you plan your writing? Do you use detailed outlines for each chapter, or just a general idea of what needs to happen, or no planning at all?
I use a combo of general + detailed. If I get struck with inspiration, I usually scribble down the basic idea, then add some details later. I might also just randomly start writing whatever comes to mind, then edit it later.
3. What do you do to help you write? Go to a quiet place, listen to music, something else?
Well, usually, I listen to music. That tends to inspire me when I listen carefully to the lyrics. I also do a lot of reading. When I read, it can give me a sense of what works and what doesn't work when writing, so that's a big help. (: If I'm completely out of ideas, I may enter a writing contest (such as Tuesday Challenges) to help me get inspired.
4. Are there any authors or books (besides Warriors!) that have given you inspiration?
Oof. This is tough... well, probably two authors and two book series: Katherine Applegate, the writer of The One and Only Ivan, had definitely inspired me. She really helped me to think outside the box when planning/writing stories. The other author is Kathryn Lasky. She, and her book series Wolves of the Beyond, both really inspired me to start writing, since I enjoy reading her material. The final series is Dogs of the Drowned City. A definitely interesting story, I had trouble putting this down (until my mom threatened to ban me from books if I didn't get stuff done)! I'm a big dog fan, so this is one of my all time favorite stories. I guess that this one inspired me to create rich, detailed settings.
5. Is there any music in particular that you feel fits the theme of this story?
Hmm. Another toughie. One of those songs would probably be "Hurt" by Thousand Foot Krutch. Another two would be "Dear X, You Don't Own Me" by Disciple + maybe "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift. These are all songs that I feel fit BloodClan: feeling pain, declaring independence from negative feelings, and that sense of being safe.
6. Were any of your characters inspired by other book/movie characters and/or real cats that you've seen?
Well, Rain's appearance was definitely inspired by Jayfeather, my favorite of the Three. c: I also based Arrow's personality off of Shere Khan. I always found the tiger from Jungle Book pretty awesome, since he seemed so icy, yet he could be super evil. After seeing how they created Shere Khan to be in the Jungle Book movie, I was like, "Yup, that's Arrow, alright." Though, I won't reveal anymore, as to not spoil future events. ;J
7. What part of the story has been the most fun to write, so far? The most difficult?
My favorite part is probably when Stripe, Twig and Blue got apprenticed. c: Most difficult? Probably the prologue. That one was just really hard for me to write for some reason.
8. How did you come up with the title? Were there any other titles you considered before going with this one?
When I first started brainstorming several years ago, "The Heir of Scourge" was the first title that popped into mind. cx However, "I will follow in his pawsteps" was added later on, shortly after the Prologue + first chapter were posted here.
9. How did you become interested in writing?
Most likely due to my love of reading. I've always had this passion of stories, and loved how authors could paint an image through neatly arranged characters. They could give you such deep feelings of anger, trust, love, etc. I really wanted to be able to convey that to readers.
10. Which character do you think is most like yourself?
Probably Twig. She's a bit shy yet can be brave at times, which is a lot like me. I'm also like Claw, since I have a pretty short temper.
Word Search:
Maine Coon, coyote, smoke, fire, ice, Roe deer, Phantomstar, Kyestorm, Kye, Demon B, Gentleoak, New Blood, Demonstone, Phantomstrike, Demonstreak, Indiclaw, Smokewind, Bluefrost
Prompts of the month:
If you're in need of writing inspiration (and who isn't?), you've come to the right place! For the general enjoyment of the WFF, we bring you three different prompts to get those creative juices flowing. Use them separately or together, for Warriors or non-Warriors - and unleash your writing prowess!
[1] Jaunty
[2] “Look, I know we're under pressure here, but seriously?”
[3] A ‘milestone’ moment that doesn't play out as expected
Made by Sapphire
Interviews for featured stuff:
forums.warriorcats.com/topic/h-lighh-2-f Katanaheart's Interview for The Lighthouse:
Warning: May contain Spoilers for Season 1 & 2 of The Lighthouse by Katanaheart
1. How did you get the idea for The Lighthouse? When you got the idea when was the point when you wrote it down?
That's a excellent question... I can't really talk much about where the idea came from.
I had intended it to be a new spoof to write, and I remember telling Rain (Rainpath177.) that I wanted it set in a Lighthouse, and that it would be different from my old spoof. (Epic Dares, which was a game show, like most spoofs.)
After talking about it with Rain, more bits of the idea came into my head. (I have no idea of when I actually started though.) Rain gave me Amberfluff, and I set off with two newly created characters (Rabbitspring and Duskclaw,) and an old one, Tangletalon.
2. What or who got you interested in writing?
A RL friend of mine, actually! Her forum nickname was/isDeathy. She never influenced me directly, but we talked about characters a lot, and she could draw, and write! With me giving spurts of ideas. This, didn't feel like enough for me, and in 7th grade, I was all alone in a few of my classes, so I ended up getting a sketchbook and writing. (Although if you want to go further back in time. I wrote in fourth grade with my only influence being this series, and the characters I made up in my head...) I can thank Deathy for getting my into the series as well! So, I really owe her a lot!
3. When you made the title for The Lighthouse, did you play around with any other titles or did that one fit from the beginning? Why did the title fit?
As I mentioned in question 1, the setting was all I really had. A Lighthouse. It's a very odd place for a setting in w background, much less the main setting of a work. It was unique and all I had, so I didn't bother thinking of any rather titles. It stuck and I could t think if a better one.
4. How long does it take for you to write an episode?
That depends. If you asked this back in season 1, it would be an hour or two, at most. Now... It would depend on how busy I was, and if I could keep myself not distracted/fill in all the scenes I wanted.
If I had both of those problems, episodes could either take weeks or a day or two of writing.
5. Which, if any, authors or books have inspired you?
Warriors, of course! It's the longest running thing I've read, and I've enjoyed it to bits!
6. What part of the spoof was the hardest to write? The easiest?
That would depend on seasons... The plot, is not as flexible as it was in season 1. Hardest then would be the riddles. I have a love-hate relationship with riddles, I love them, but I can't think of any, ever! Easiest would be the characters of that season, many of them were goofy and continued to act as such, which gave it the spoof feel.
For season 2... I have a lot of things that have irritated me with this season, in design. (Most of the hard stuff comes from planning this season and the next ..)
As for writing... Easiest... Most of the plot. Bits of it were already planned out shortly before the first season ended.
Hardest... Maybe what to give away and what not to give away? I wanted to get you guys questioning and thinking, but never close enough, this is especially evident in with how I worked in Rainfall's major appearance with the Spirits. I had to take out some info given, when I was first writing it.
7. If you were reading the spoof instead of writing it, would it be the type of spoof you would read? Why?
I believe so. I can see me being outraged with the writer for killing off so many characters. I'm also attracted to these kind of spoofs, because I didn't start out writing for fans. (And the humor still reflects my own. It's sarcastic to no end, and I find it hilarious, when I'm writing it.)
8. What is the most surprising thing a fan has ever said to you?
Rabbitspring's death in season 1. (That event shocked me.)
I expected anger, but when Rain and Shine went on that a certain fluffy she-cat was still alive, was not something I expected. And this kept going on for several pages of playful arguing! That shocked me!
9. If the characters were human and they went to school which would be the poplar kid? The loner? The one that tells all the jokes?
Season 1
Popular kid: Duskclaw or Petalfrost. (In the story (down below on the first page.) for season 1, Petalfrost was taken away from deputy ship to be sent to The Lighthouse.) Duskclaw never had a story portion, but I expect he would be popular, but level-headed. A normal guy, maybe.
Loner: Chillfrost! Her story portrayed her as a loner and she certainly acted like one in the first season. (Not that she could be alone with the other Guests, getting under her paws.)
Joker: Quietsong and Rabbitspring! (They were hilarious from season 1, for me! And they would be more of an oblivious kind of joksters.)
Season 2
Popular kid: The flowers! Mistrose strikes me as a air headed cheerleader, while Daylily is more of a council leader or something. I could also see Lighthwart fitting into a popular role. (Thornfang could also fall into this category, although he is more of a jock.)
Loner: Sarcastic, dark, females always seem to be loners in thought. Shadowdance here.
Although a possible loner could be Spiderblade, although I don't think it would be from his choice, but more so his apathetic nature.
Joker: No one is really much of a joker, here... Maybe Bluewhisper, actually... If you can speak Nerd!
Spiderblade could also be a good choice here, too.
10. Which song would be the one that reflects your spoof the most?
I believe we have actually talked about this song before.
A House of Myth by Creature Feature fits both seasons really well. (More so in season 2, as the Visitors kept sayiny: There was no hope for the Guests, so why bother trying to save them?)
Whether the House of Myth will continue to reflect season 3, remains to be seen.
Episode 1 Pilot
*A camera zooms in on a dark brown tabby with golden stripes. The she-cat is sleeping on an old matress with a fluffy pillow.*
???~Hey, wake up!
???(The dark brown she-cat.)~Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! *The she-cat quickly opens her eyes. She stares into a pair of blue eyes that belong to a fluffy white she-cat.*
???~Yay! You're awake! I'm Rabbitspring! Who are you?
???~Tangletalon, and where ae we and who the heck are you?!
Rabbitspring~I don't actually know where we are...
???(Says a bright ginger she-cat with a super puffy tail. The she-cat also has bright blue eyes.)~Good, then everyone in this room is awake.
Tangletalon~Who are you?
???~Amberfluff, and I see you already met Rabbitspring.
Rabbitspring~I woke her up like you said! *smiles brightly.*
Tangletalon~So do you know-
???(Says a dark gray tom with amber eyes.)~I found some kind of staircase! Come on!
Amberfluff~He's been impatient. *sighs.* Come on, we should go follow Duskclaw before we're left behind.
Tangletalon~But where are we?
Rabbitspring~We're going to find that out silly goose!
Tangletalon~Okay you're creepy... *stares at Rabbitspring while the four cats quickly run up the stairs.*
*Eventually, they reach a room that leads to the top of the stairs.*
Duskclaw~Well, it appears we're in a lighthouse... *stares out at the sea below.*
Amberfluff~Oatmeal rasin cookies!!!! *quickly runs over to a plate of cookies on the table and begins to eat the cookies.*
Tangletalon~Hey, is there any chocolate chip?
Rabbitspring~Look, there's sugar cookies too! My favorite! *begins to eat.*
Duskclaw~Here. *gives the chocolate chip to Tangletalon.*
Tangletalon~*noms happily.*
Duskclaw~Mmm... Almond cookies. *eats.*
Rabbitspring~There's a note!
Tangletalon~Thank, you Captain Obvious!
Rabbitspring~Your welcome!
Duskclaw~*picks up note and begins to read.*
Dear, Guests
It seems you have reached the top of the lighthouse and found the treats I prepared for you. Congratulations! But now the real fun begins. Just, so you know I can see your every move from the cameras all around this lighthouse. Don't think you're alone more cats will be coming soon. You see, I took the four of you in the night and brought you here. There's no use trying to escape there is no way out. Then again you could find a way, maybe. Now, let's play a game since this is your first day here it will be fairly easy. But, first tell me Tangletalon, where did you keep all your weapons and torture devices stored in the Epic Dares Studios?
Sincerily, *A blot of ink blots out the name.*
Duskclaw~Grrrrr! How dare this cat bring me here!
Amberfluff~But we were brought here for a reason, right?
Rabbitspring~Let's play the game! It'll be fun!
Tangletalon~The last part was directed at me and we kept the weapons stored in a clost. *glances over at a closet.* Here! *rushes over to it and opens the door.*
*In the room is a bunch of medievil weapons including the guillotine etc along with a couple of swords on a rapier is a sticky note.*
Rabbitspring~EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tangletalon~Cool, a torture room!
Amberfluff&Duskclaw~Are you insane?
Tangletalon~Maybe. Hey, look a sticky note. *picks up sticky note and reads it.*
Wonderful, you found the Torture Room some of my games will revolve around this room. So, remember where it is my guests. Now, onto your victim. as, I said before this is an easy one. Leave out of the room and you'll find him gagged and tied already there. All, you have to do is annoy him. It won't be too hard it is Jayfeather after all.
Sincerely, *Another blot of ink marks out the name.*
Tangletalon~Jayfeather, wow this is easy! It's kind of like Epic Dares except the hosts which is us I guess are being held against our will but at least we still get to torture cats!
Duskclaw~Yep, you're insane.
Amberfluff~Where's Rabbitspring?
Duskclaw~Doing all the work for us.
*All three look outside to find Jayfeather ungagged and Rabbitspring who is boucing on the ceiling and floor asking questions.*
Rabbitspring~What is it like being blind? It is cool having powers? How do you feel now that you're sister's dead? Do you hate Rock? Are you going to be mates with Half Moon? Will you get Rock to recreate the stick How high am I bouncing? Why am I here? Why are you here?
*Stops hopping and yelps in pain as a thorn is now stuck in her paw.*
Rabbitspring~Owwwwwwwww! Jayfeader, I have a thorn in my paw! Can you fix it?
Jayfeather~Oh, my StarClan shut up! *Mysteriously vanishes.*
Everyone except Rabbitspring~*gasps.*
Amberflare~I don't like this not one bit...
Tangletalon~Now, what?
Duskclaw~I don't know but does anyone how to get a thorn out of a cat's paw?
Everyone except Rabbitspring who's crying on the floor~*shakes heads.*
Amberfluff~We can't just leave her like this!
Tangletalon~Um. but what do we do?
Duskclaw~Wait, I think I remember how to get out a thorn. *goes over to Rabbitspring and bites the thorn and then proceeds to get it out.*
Rabbitspring~Yay! The thorn's out! I remember what to do I just lick my paw and maybe the bleeding will stop.
Tangletalon~I guess?
Duskclaw~... That doesn't make any sense. Look, outside.
*Everyone looks outside and the sky has turned black and stars seem to fill the sky.*
Tangletalon~If it's night then we should go to bed.
Amberfluff~*sighs.* We'll have to sleep on those matresses again till we can find actual beds.
forums.warriorcats.com/topic/stormy-sunset-a-warriors-short-storyJackalstep's Interview for Stormy Sunset:
1. How did you get the idea for Stormy Sunset? When you got the idea when was the point when you wrote it down?
I'd been reading a lot of murder mysteries, and I was like, hey why don't I try writing a mystery short story? And then I started thinking, what if it was from the murderer's point of view, how would it be to tell the mystery from that perspective? I'd jotted down a couple of basic ideas, and then just started writing.
2. What or who got you interested in writing?
I don't really know what first sparked my interest; I've always loved making up stories since I was quite little. It was only after I got into Warriors that I started seriously writing things down, though I did occasionally jot down ideas in a notebook.
3. When you made the title for Stormy Sunset, did you play around with any other titles or did that one fit from the beginning? Why did the title fit?
I played around with a few titles; Mystery on the Moors was one that stuck for a while, but it didn't just seem quite right. I finally decided on Stormy Sunset for a few reasons: It represents Sunnystripe and Shellstorm just because of the word choice, Stormy works because Sunnystripe hadn't exactly had a calm life in recent past, and Sunset because the sun is figuratively setting on an era in Sunnystripe's life.
4. How long did it take for you to write the story?
I wrote it a bit at a time for several days.
5. Which, if any, authors or books have inspired you?
Agatha Christie was my huge inspiration for this, and Paws is based on Hercule Poirot. Funny thing, after I had already started working on Stormy Sunset, I read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, which is a Poirot mystery that shares one huge similarity with my little story.
6. What part of the story was the hardest to write? The easiest?
What was hardest for me was actually deciding what not to write. I actually considered writing out all the details of Paws' investigation, but realized that would make the story too long for what I wanted it to be. The easiest part was probably Paws' big reveal, because I had a lot of fun writing in Poirot's voice.
7. If you were reading the story instead of writing it, would it be the type of story you would read? Why?
I think so, since I enjoy mysteries and stories about relationships.
8. What is the most surprising thing a fan has ever said to you?
Well, with The Fox and Pigeon, someone once said I and my name guide was why they joined the forums. That was a pretty humbling moment, I just hadn't realized how many people read my stuff.
9. If your characters were human and they went to school which would be the poplar kid? The loner? The one that tells all the jokes?
Though we never meet him alive in the story, Shellstorm was totally the popular kid; he wasn't always especially nice, but he was strong and brave and admired by almost everyone. Marigold is literally the loner, haha. Seriously though, I think maybe Dapplestone, since she's a tunneler, and a pretty close-mouthed one at that. The joker... I don't really know, maybe Railtail? I could see a -tail cat having a bouncy personality (when not dealing with a recent murder, of course), and besides, that rhyming name!
10. Which song would be the one that reflects your story the most?
Wow, I'd never really thought about that. The sequel has taken inspiration from multiple songs, but for Stormy Sunset? Hm, I don't know, "Ou Es Ma Tete?" by Pink Martini, or maybe "Here and Never Found" by Ray Lynch
Stormy Sunset—
A young yellow tabby she-cat runs into the shed, shivering with cold. Her pelt is soaked from the rain that pours in torrents.
An ancient brown tabby she-cat sits on the dirt floor, her head drooping to her chest as she dozes. She wakes suddenly at the yellow tabby's entrance.
"Eh? Who're you?"
"Just a traveler who wants to dry off a bit," the yellow tabby responds quickly. "I'll leave you alone once the rain lets off, I promise."
"This rain won't let up for a while, young'un. It's a real spring storm."
The yellow tabby sighs. "I can't stay long. I need to keep moving."
The brown tabby's eyes brighten. "I sense a story there. Tell it to me. You aren't really going anywhere until the storm dies, you'll be miserable."
"I deserve it." The younger cat's mumbled reply is barely audible.
"Tell me," the ancient one insists. "You've piqued my curiosity."
"It's awful, really. You don't want to know what I've done."
"Yes, I do."
"I can't..."
"You must!"
Another sigh from the yellow tabby. She isn't planning to live with this old cat. What harm would it do? She doesn't wish to speak of it, as it is too recent. Too painful. And yet... Maybe telling it would be for the best... She doesn't care if the old tabby is her friend.
"It's a long story," she cautions.
"I don't care. This is going to be a long storm, I feel it in my bones."
The young she-cat takes a deep breath, and begins her narrative. "I will never forget the day it all began..."
________________________________________
"Has anyone seen Shellstorm?"
My heart seemed to jump into my throat as Railtail's urgent yowl rang through the camp. Shellstorm was one of WindClan's greatest warriors. But he had not been seen since his hunting patrol the day before.
Worried murmurs rippled through the Clan.
"What if a fox got him?"
"What if he ran onto the Thunderpath?"
"What if Twolegs took him?"
That last cry was from Shellstorm's new apprentice, Hornetpaw.
Myself, I wasn't worried that any of the Clan's speculations were true. Shellstorm was too great of a warrior for anything silly like they suggested. I admired his skills greatly, to tell you the truth. All the same, it was certainly unusual for a cat to just up and vanish like that.
Search parties went out, to no avail. Shellstorm was well and truly missing.
I scarcely knew myself for that agonzing day. I was as scatterbrained as a squirrel kit. I think I was afraid. The Clan seemed a different place with the cloud of uncertainty hanging over us.
Then the blow fell.
A RiverClan patrol came to our camp just before sundown. Somehow, I knew instantly why they were there. Railtail led me to them, let me see the mangled pale gray thing they had carried to us. It was Shellstorm, of course. He had drowned, the RiverClan cats said.
All I could do was stare at him. Well, not him anymore, just an empty, pitiful husk. I supposed he was in StarClan now. I think I was grieved by this, but mostly just numb. Rabbitstar let me stay beside his body till the moon rose to its peak and it was time for the burial.
As I watched the elders drag the remains of the great warrior away, I felt like I was just an empty husk, too. My apparent lack of emotion led the other cats to talk about how cold I was, how awfully cold and detached.
I didn't care.
________________________________________
"You loved this Shellstorm very much, didn't you?" the old brown tabby meows softly.
The yellow tabby hesitates. "Y-Yes... I guess I did love him." Her voice, however, is completely bland, without feeling—her words seem forced.
A moment of silence, then she continues her tale.
________________________________________
Shellstorm had drowned, the RiverClan cats had said. There was a wound on his head, suggesting that he fell into the river and struck his head on a rock, which would have knocked him unconscious and left him unable to swim to save himself.
What killed Shellstorm was not the question. The question was, how did it happen? The Clan speculated wildly. Was he fishing in RiverClan's territory and just fell in? Was he hunting along the cliffs, when he slipped and fell into the gorge? If he was hunting in RiverClan's territory, what if they had caught him and drowned him on purpose?
Nobody really believed that last one. RiverClan was known for being the peaceful Clan, so it was unlikely that they would kill a trespasser. ThunderClan or ShadowClan, maybe. But RiverClan? Certainly not!
The Clan was rather miserable and quiet, when Marigold showed up at dawn with a stranger. Marigold lived at the farm with her mate and kits, and was a good friend to WindClan.
Rabbitstar told Marigold that it wasn't a good time for a visit, and asked if she remembered meeting one of the search parties.
"Of course," was Marigold's reply. "I take it you haven't found him."
"We found Shellstorm all right – rather, RiverClan found him. He's dead, Marigold," Rabbitstar explained. "The Clan is still grieving. We'd prefer to be on our own, you understand."
"I'm so sorry for your loss," the loner said gravely. "But actually, it's because of Shellstorm I've come."
Rabbitstar pricked his ears curiously. "What do you mean?"
Marigold gestured toward her companion. "This is Paws. He specializes in finding missing cats and the ones responsible for the disappearances. He really is very clever. He calls himself a... What was it?"
The stranger—very odd-looking he was—replied immediately. "A detective. I find the truth behind wrong acts."
My Clan leader gave Paws a half-amused, half-exasperated look. "I really think we can manage. My Clan would just like to grieve in peace. Now, would you mind?" And he looked meaningfully at the camp entrance.
"Pawsy is quite good at what he does, Rabbitstar. Surely you want to know why Shellstorm died?" Without giving him time to reply, Marigold continued: "Just give him a chance."
Paws spoke again. "Let me try. I promise you this: Either I discover the truth by sundown, or I will leave you alone for good."
Rabbitstar narrowed his eyes. Railtail came to his side and hissed, "It won't hurt, and he might even bring justice for Shellstorm!"
What did I want? I wanted them to go away. Rabbitstar was right, we didn't need a nosy stranger. And what a stranger! Such a jarring difference from my Clanmates! I realize I haven't described Paws to you yet, maybe I had better do so now.
His coat was just plain gray, but that wasn't what made him so unusual; it was his shape. He was like a great big egg suspended on little twigs, with his round plump body and slender paws. His head was egg-shaped as well, and his ears were narrow and almost pointed. Paws' ludicrous appearance and silly name led me to underestimate him, for when he made eye contact with me, I saw at once that he was no fool. Those bright, intense, piercing green eyes seemed to peer right into my very being.
Without meaning to, I shuddered.
________________________________________
The old tabby fixes the young one with a questioning look. "How was this Paws so intimidating? From what I see, he was so ridiculous your leader didn't want him."
The yellow tabby's eyes take on a faraway look, as though she is still lost in her tale. "It was his eyes...always the eyes. I can't truly explain how he made me feel..." She shakes her head firmly and resumes the narrative.
________________________________________
Rabbitstar did let Paws stay, but he insisted that Marigold leave. She had no objections, and Paws didn't seem to need her presence. So one loner left while the other stayed. I would have preferred Marigold, to be honest. I'd already decided I didn't like Paws.
I stayed nearby and listened—okay, shamelessly eavesdropped—as Paws talked to Railtail about Shellstorm's movements. The deputy began by explaining how he was on a hunting patrol the day before yesterday at sunhigh.
Paws, of course, immediately had a question. "Who was on this patrol with Shellstorm?"
Railtail had assigned the patrol, and she had a good memory. "Tinypetal, Snipewing, Sunnystripe, and Hornetpaw."
"Tell me, what was the relationship of these cats to Shellstorm? Did any have problems with him?" Paws asked.
"They all got along fine," Railtail began. "Tinypetal is one of his littermates, and they are very close. Snipewing and Shellstorm were friends, not especially close, but they got on just fine. Hornetpaw was his apprentice. And Sunnystripe..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at me sympathetically. Quietly she continued, "They were very fond of each other, you understand."
The odd stranger dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I will speak to each of them. Tell me, were any other cats out of camp at all on that day? After Shellstorm's patrol?"
Railtail's reply was prompt. "Three tunnelers: Harrierclaw, Dapplestone, and Gorsenose. And there was the evening border patrol, but we'd already realized that Shellstorm was late when they went out."
"So we may most likely be able to discount the border patrol. Well, I will interview them if it becomes necessary," Paws decided, and with a grateful nod to Railtail, padded over to me.
"You are Sunnystripe, I believe," he said by way of greeting, and I nodded. "I'm sorry for your loss. You were mates, I understand?"
"Yes," I whispered. Why did this odd cat have to bring that up? I didn't want to talk about it!
Those green eyes, so bizarrely terrifying earlier, were now soft with sympathy. "Can you tell me what Shellstorm was like?"
I sighed heavily. "Well, he was a brilliant fighter, and somewhat temperamental—"
"No, no!" Paws interrupted sharply. "What I meant was, what was he like in his attitudes toward others? How did his Clan—and the others, too—perceive him?"
Every word felt like a thorn being dragged through my throat, recalling anything about Shellstorm was so painful. "He was greatly respected for his fighting skills, but did little to make himself popular otherwise—I'm talking about the other Clans. His Clanmates were all very fond of him, though of course he started quarrels more often than the rest of us. But always loyal and devoted to the defense of WindClan, so every cat trusted him when things got rough." Another sigh. I didn't know what else to say.
Paws nodded thoughtfully, a faraway look in his eyes. "Hm, very good. And what did you think of him? Truly?"
"I loved him. With all of his faults, I did love him." That much had been true.
The odd gray tom touched me lightly with his tail. "I am sorry he died so young, you had no chance to live your lives together," he meowed sympathetically.
A moment of silence seemed to stretch into an eternity.
Finally, Paws spoke again. "I have only one more question, then I will leave you—but you must answer it however much it bothers you. What were your actions on that hunting patrol?"
I hesitated only briefly before replying. "When we split up, Snipewing went off alone towards the farm, Tinypetal took Hornetpaw towards the ShadowClan border, and I hunted...I hunted with Shellstorm. For a little bit. We caught a rabbit together and he told me to take it back to camp. That—" I broke off and gulped "—was the last time I saw him."
"Thank you, Sunnystripe. You have been very brave in telling me all of this. And now, I go to ask other cats questions. Farewell." He dipped his head to me quite courteously and padded away.
________________________________________
"When did he finish? How many cats did he talk to?" The old tabby's gaze is full of curiosity. Without giving the younger she-cat time to respond, she adds, "And how awful it must have been to sit and watch helplessly!"
The young she-cat sighs. "He took all day, speaking to many cats and even left camp for a time. When he was finished, every cat was anxious to hear what he said." She pauses, lost in her recollections. "You're right, I was helpless..."
She gives herself a shake and resumes her tale. "It was sundown when Rabbitstar called the Clan together..."
________________________________________
The Clan was assembled, all curious to see if the odd stranger had managed to solve the mystery of Shellstorm's death. My own heart was pounding wildly. I had seen over the course of the day how clever Paws really was. Now it was time to see if his skillful questions had uncovered the truth.
I was sure I didn't want to hear the truth. A cat in WindClan had killed him, of course, but announcing who to all of us could rip the Clan apart—a killer in our midst. We didn't need to have this upheaval.
I was scared.
Paws sat on the Tallrock, his eyes gleaming as his gaze swept across the gathered cats. He rose and, taking a deep breath, began to speak.
"The time has come to bring justice to the murderer of Shellstorm. And I tell you, he was killed by one of you sitting here before me! I have no absolute proof. But I know undoubtedly who it is. It is the mind that reveals all..."
He paused for breath, and a mesmerized silence hung across the Clan. Paws certainly had a flair for the dramatic.
"There are seven cats central to this mystery. I shall start with Tinypetal, Shellstorm's littermate. She said her brother was a very loyal warrior. She lied! It is her instinct to defend her brother, as they loved each other very much. Tinypetal doubted what she said. Why did she lie? Was she simply shielding his reputation? Or... Did Tinypetal wish to hide her reason for wishing her brother dead?"
"That's outrageous!" Tinypetal yowled, springing to her paws. "I would gladly have died myself to save Shellstorm any time!"
"I did not say you killed Shellstorm," the detective meowed soothingly. "I merely said you wished him dead. And why? You suspected him of being a traitor—but you never could figure out why. No, your innocence is certain. You were seen by a ShadowClan patrol, and the times don't match up. Beside that, I am convinced of your loyalty to your brother—you would do anything to protect him."
The queen's fur was still ruffled, but she sat down.
"Now we come to the tunnelers. I can deal with them together, as they claim they were together all day long. I know the tunnelers are often looked on as their own sub-Clan, not without reason. They are fiercely loyal to each other above other Clanmates. From the stories they told me, I see two possibilities: Either Dapplestone, Gorsenose, and Harrierclaw all banded together to kill Shellstorm, or... Two of them are covering for the third, who they are convinced is guilty."
The three tunnelers in question were huddled together, their eyes burning. But they remained silent.
"Harrierclaw and Gorsenose are mistaken. Dapplestone is not the murderer! She is, however, guilty of breaking another of your codes: She has a mate in SkyClan."
The tortoiseshell tunneler hung her head, without protesting, and shocked murmurs rose around her. Paws continued above the babble.
"She sneaked away to visit him when she thought her two companions too busy to notice. But they noticed her disappearance, all right, and when Shellstorm's body was found, they thought the worst. Their tunnelers' loyalty prevented them from denouncing her, though."
"What in StarClan's name makes you think Dapplestone is involved in...in anything?" Harrierclaw demanded furiously.
Paws blinked gently. "Even now your defense betrays her. Both you and Gorsenose remembered too clearly what Dapplestone did that day, but remembered little about what the other did. This led me to believe you were lying."
Gorsenose then spoke up, his tail twitching. "But you've no proof of anything!"
"Her reaction to my announcement, the SkyClan cats I spoke with—yes, I met cats from other Clans—and most of all... Dapplestone, you should probably step down from warrior duties until after your kits come."
The disgraced she-cat only nodded.
The detective began a new analysis. "Snipewing, who has no one to vouch for him. Not a close friend, but a Clanmate. Nothing was unusual in their relationship. But there was tension! Oh yes, never letting it show... But Snipewing was not disappointed by Shellstorm's death. Indeed, he was glad to see the fierce warrior out of the way—"
Snipewing's eyes blazed as he yowled, "Are you accusing me!? I would never kill a Clanmate!"
"I am not accusing you," Paws meowed calmly, completely unruffled by the other cat's aggression. "But nevertheless, you were hopeful after his death. Why? Because you love Sunnystripe. At the same time, you knew she was happy with Shellstorm, and only wanted her happiness. Even if you had planned to murder Shellstorm, you would not have done it when Sunnystripe was around—you wouldn't want to see her unfairly framed."
Snipewing loved me? That was news to me. I'd never even had a clue.
Paws continued. "Snipewing is not responsible for Shellstorm's death. And now we come to the apprentice, Hornetpaw. He was with Tinypetal the whole time, or so it is claimed. He, too, was seen by the ShadowClan patrol. But is it possible that, scared that he might meet a gruesome end like his predecessor, Hornetpaw snuck away and pushed his mentor off the cliff?"
"Now really!" Tinypetal exclaimed. "He's just an apprentice. Why are you frightening him like this?" She turned her gaze on the apprentice, who was cowering in terror.
"Rest assured, Tinypetal, Hornetpaw did not kill Shellstorm." Paws' piercing green eyes turned on me.
I could hear the blood pounding in my ears. No! Paws wasn't about to discuss me, was he?
"Sunnystripe. Brave, clever, Sunnystripe. Shellstorm's last apprentice was your sister, was she not? Ploverpaw was killed by a fox when out hunting, and Shellstorm came too late to save her."
No, no, no, NO! Why, why was he dredging this up? In my mind I could see the mutilated body of my little sister, the closest kin I had left in the Clan.
He continued. "Everyone believed it an accident; surely she couldn't blame him. But she did! Ploverpaw's death was no accident, it was murder. A devious trap, all because Tinypetal's suspicions were correct... And Ploverpaw had seen her mentor in the act of committing treason!"
An enraged outcry broke upout from the cats around me; I simply felt numb. Empty. I couldn't bring myself to act offended at the suggestion that Shellstorm was a traitor, because I had no reason to be.
Because it was true.
Because I saw him kill my sister.
________________________________________
"No!" The shocked gasp of the old she-cat cuts into the narrative. Her eyes are wide with horror. "You said you were mates! How could you?"
The young she-cat's eyes look dull and tired as she answers slowly. "I...never believed him capable of it. And we were already together when she died... I was afraid to break up with him because I was afraid for my life."
The old tabby shakes her head. "You were lucky he died, then."
The yellow tabby's gaze seems to be fixed on something in the distance as she picks up her tale, without responding directly to her companion.
________________________________________
The green eyes scorched me.
In my mind, that day replayed itself. The day she died. The day he betrayed me. The day I lost all that used to be myself.
I was out hunting when I heard shrieks of pain and fright. I ran as fast as my paws could carry me to the source. There was a strong stench of fox mixed in with... Cat blood!
I crouched under a gorse bush and approached slowly, because I could hear a voice speaking. When I was able to see what had happened... The world crashed down around me.
My sister lay on her side, a mangled mess of bloody fur. And standing nearby, looking coldly down at her, was Shellstorm.
Ploverpaw moaned softly. "I want Sunnystripe..." Her breathing was shallow, and every word seemed to be an effort. "Please..."
"No."
My heart dropped to my belly. What was this madness?
My poor, tiny sister could only stare in shock.
As Shellstorm explained, my blood ran cold. "You know too much. You must never be seen alive by any cat, ever again. I don't trust you to keep your chatty little mouth shut." His voice was low and strangely soft.
"Traitor," Ploverpaw gasped. "You'll...never get away with..." She trailed away as she squeezed her eyes shut in agony. I wanted to help, but at the same time, I couldn't move, I was paralyzed, transfixed by the sight before me.
"I already have, little apprentice," Shellstorm hissed. "You'll never stop me from working with ThunderClan now!" And right in front of my horrified gaze, he dealt a sharp blow to her neck. "We can't have any other cats come along, before you're dead."
Ploverpaw gave one last choking cry, then fell completely still. Shellstorm watched impassively, then turned and ran, yowling, "Help! Ploverpaw's been attacked!"
That treacherous, vile, stinking, snake-hearted cat that I thought myself in love sealed his fate that very moment. With each passing heartbeat, I grew more certain that no cat would believe the truth: They would think I was mad with grief.
And maybe I was—but that didn't alter what I had seen and heard.
The babble of voices around me slowly penetrated my consciousness and I became aware of Rabbitstar's voice screeching my name. I allowed myself to drift back to the present.
"Sunnystripe, is this true?" My leader's gaze burned into my own as I turned to face him.
What could I say?
"Yes."
________________________________________
"WHAT?!" The elderly she-cat's screech sounds clearly above the pounding rain. "You couldn't have done it, it's not true!" Her voice is half pleading as she stares at the yellow tabby crouched beside her.
"I killed my mate. That is the truth, you must believe it." The young she-cat's eyes look pained and her voice sounds dull as she confesses her crime.
The old brown tabby simply shakes her head in shock as the other cat continues.
________________________________________
Rabbitstar exiled me. What else could he do? I had broken one of the most important laws of the warrior code. I had taken justice into my own paws and turned my back on my Clan. I no longer belonged.
I left that very day. The last thing I remember was Snipewing begging Rabbitstar to let me stay—even if his pleas were successful, I don't think I could have stayed: My Clanmates would never trust me again.
I have been traveling for a quarter moon now, and I've had a lot of time to think. After Ploverpaw's death, I only lived for a chance to take revenge. That kind of living is destructive.
I had believed killing Shellstorm would bring me peace. Instead, it only brought more grief, more anxiety... And regret. I know now I should never have done it. But it's too late to change anything. I just have to live with the consequences and that's that.
________________________________________
The old tabby she-cat is silent.
"I'm a murderer. I can never again live with other cats." The yellow tabby's voice has become hard, determined. "I'm sorry to have disturbed you. I should go." She rises to her paws and slips out of the shed, back into the torrential rain.
"Sunnystripe..." The brown tabby whispers the name softly. Such a beautiful name, and such a tale of darkness.
She could only hope that the young cat would one day rediscover light.
