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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 2, 2019 23:16:16 GMT -5
Littlemoon took a step toward Stormfury. "I think what you did was brave. You had good intentions."
"At the cost of Coalpaw's life." Houndthroat snorted.
Ashrock sat near the medicine den, narrowed eyes trained on Stormfury. His tail flicked with irritated anger. Leave it to a frog-brained rabbit chaser to get the weasel-minded idea that we need help from kittypets. If he's the reason Coalpaw got hurt, I swear to StarClan.... He let the thought trail off, digging his claws deep into the frozen ground.
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 2, 2019 23:17:52 GMT -5
Stormfury's eyes were still fixed on the ground, trying to come to terms with the fact that he was probably in his final day of being a ShadowClan warrior. He flicked an ear at Littlemoon. "If it's what got Coalpaw hurt then it wasn't worth it." he said bluntly."If it gets me kicked out of this clan then it wasn't worth it either."
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 2, 2019 23:24:51 GMT -5
"Coalpaw, I need you to tell me why you were out by twoleggedplace border all by yourself." Northstar settled down beside the apprentice, keeping her voice calm and gentle. "Tell me the truth." Cedarstorm flicked his ear, he couldn't get himself to look at the apprentice, but he did glance back out of the den toward Gregory, Shimmer, and Stormfury. Coalpaw was quiet and timid for a moment, but the assuring look from the leader and his father made him swallow and mew tiredly. “I...I was getting prey, f-from these twolegplace cats who we helped, er, well, they knew about us before but...so, they were catching us prey to bring home. I swear, I didn’t want to get anyone in trouble b-but it was getting cold and we really needed to feed the queens and kits and-...and-...” He stammered, taking a breath and sniffling. “I-I couldn’t catch anything. I was hunting so bad, I couldn’t remember anything and I just wanted to be useful and bring prey in like everyone else. So I went to get the prey a-and...and these two rouges came up and told me to give the prey to them. I told them no, Northstar, I didn’t let them scare me, I swear. Then, they started hitting me, and the main rouge was a ginger tom with amber eyes I think. And he just kept hitting me.” The black tom sniffled harder. “I thought I was a good fighter but I couldn’t remember how to throw him off, and when I tried he just hit me harder...”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 2, 2019 23:26:47 GMT -5
Littlemoon blinked at him. "Kicked out of the Clan?"
"Stormfury, Northstar isn't going to kick you out of the Clan for this." Cliffheart shook his, a small smile on his face. "You made a mistake, but Coalpaw is still alive. If Northstar kicked out cats because someone almost died, then half the Clan wouldn't be here right now. Especially me and Goldberry. Northstar isn't Swiftstar."
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 2, 2019 23:30:25 GMT -5
Stormfury blinked, glancing up at the warriors in surprise. "Oh." He said, not sure he believed them. "I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt....I don't want to lose my home again.."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 2, 2019 23:32:12 GMT -5
"Calm down," Northstar laid her tail gently upon the apprentice. "It's alright. Trying to feed the Clan like that was noble, but Coalpaw, you knew better than to go out alone." She shook her head, now wasn't the time for that lecture. "It wasn't your fault that those rogues came after you. I promise, Coalpaw, that the Clan will get justice for their actions. Tell me who else helped you rescue Gregory and Shimmer."
Cedarstorm flattened his ears, finally turning his gaze to the young apprentice.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 2, 2019 23:35:32 GMT -5
"You may have lost some of the Clan's trust, Stormfury." Cliffheart flicked his tail. "But with Northstar as leader, she'll give you a second chance."
"Can't say you'll last long enough to prove yourself." Houndthroat snorted at the former WindClan tom. "I can't expect that Swirlheart, Goldberry, Honeypaw, Crystalpaw, and Ashrock are too happy with you right now."
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 2, 2019 23:38:01 GMT -5
Stormfury smiled slightly at Cliffheart, starting to regain his confidence. He glanced at Houndthroat. "I wouldn't expect them to be happy with me, but I was just doing what I thought was right. We all make mistakes Houndthroat, though I don't regret all of my actions." His gaze travelled to Ashrock.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 2, 2019 23:41:39 GMT -5
"Calm down," Northstar laid her tail gently upon the apprentice. "It's alright. Trying to feed the Clan like that was noble, but Coalpaw, you knew better than to go out alone." She shook her head, now wasn't the time for that lecture. "It wasn't your fault that those rogues came after you. I promise, Coalpaw, that the Clan will get justice for their actions. Tell me who else helped you rescue Gregory and Shimmer." Cedarstorm flattened his ears, finally turning his gaze to the young apprentice. Coalpaw had noticed Cedarstorm’s eyes on him, and his heart raced lightly. He heard the commotion outside the den, had heard Stormfury speaking a bit. He looked up at Northstar, a desire to still defend his clanmates in his chest. Cedarstorm had helped him, and let him go out with him. He swallowed, not wanting the deputy in trouble. “Stormfury...h-he was there...” He breathed, cutting off. Maybe that would be good enough, just him.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 2, 2019 23:42:09 GMT -5
Ashrock bared his teeth at Stormfury when the WindClan cat met his gaze.
Cliffheart followed Stormfury's gaze over to Ashrock and he flicked his ear. "No. I suppose not."
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 2, 2019 23:47:36 GMT -5
Stormfury gave a half smile at Ashrock before turning to Cliffheart. "Thank you Cliffheart." He said sincerely. "I suppose I overreacted."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 2, 2019 23:50:07 GMT -5
Northstar nodded once to the apprentice, but she kept her gaze trained on him. "Just Stormfury?"
Cedarstorm kept his ears back, feeling his heart racing a hundred paces per second. Stormfury never once mentioned him outside, he was willing to take all the blame and now Coalpaw as doing the same. What kind of cat does that make me if I let them take the fall? He swallowed down his uncertainty and his pride. "No." Cedarstorm took a step forward, meeting Northstar's gaze. "Northstar, I have something to tell the Clan."
The ShadowClan leader blinked back at her deputy with interest. "Very well." She looked at each of the cats that remained in the medicine den, Coalpaw and Hollowpool included. "I want everyone to gather outside." She stood up and moved toward the den entrance, looking at Cedarstorm when she passed him before slipping out of the den.
Cedarstorm flattened his ears and shifted his paws in his nervousness. What was he doing? He would surely lose the support of the Clan if he admitted that getting help from outsiders was his idea in the first place. He was the last to leave the den.
When Northstar slipped out of the medicine den, she flicked her tail in signal for everyone to gather around at the center of camp. My cats did.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 2, 2019 23:52:57 GMT -5
Coalpaw gave a faint noise of pleading, which fell on empty ears as thr deputy turned to leave. Coalpaw knew he was going to tell the truth, that he’d out himself. The black apprentice didn’t want him hurt even more, and wanted to take the blame instead. Shadowclan needed their deputy, not him.
My cats gathered.
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 2, 2019 23:54:05 GMT -5
Stormfury glanced up as they exited the den, but was confused as to why Cedarstorm looked as nervous as he did. What had just happened?
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 0:04:35 GMT -5
Cedarstorm met Stormfury's gaze for a couple, brief moments when he padded to the center of the camp. He glanced at Northstar, trying to contain his nerves while at her side. He couldn't let the Clan see that he doubted his choice. With a deep breath, Cedarstorm looked at each of his Clanmates. "I'm the one who took Stormfury and Coalpaw to the twoleggedplace to assist Gregory and Shimmer." He paused to wait for the gasps to die down. Ashrock bared his teeth at his brother. Gregory and Shimmer glanced at each other. "I knew that the Clan needed prey--I didn't want anyone to go hungry. So, in return for our help, I accepted Shimmer's and Gregory's prey." He looked at Northstar. "Stormfury and Coalpaw were only following my orders. Though, I never anticipated that Coalpaw would go fetch the prey by himself." The deputy looked Goldberry and Coalpaw in the eye. "I am truly sorry for what happened. I didn't think anyone would get hurt because of this."
"You accepted prey from pathetic kittypets?" Ashrock took a step forward. "You think that ShadowClan can't handle the leaf-bare on our own?!"
"Hey!" Gregory and Shimmer frowned at Ashrock's insult.
"What kind of deputy doesn't believe in their Clan!" Houndthroat scoffed, his tail lashing as he glared at Cedarstorm.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 3, 2019 0:10:34 GMT -5
Cedarstorm met Stormfury's gaze for a couple, brief moments when he padded to the center of the camp. He glanced at Northstar, trying to contain his nerves while at her side. He couldn't let the Clan see that he doubted his choice. With a deep breath, Cedarstorm looked at each of his Clanmates. "I'm the one who took Stormfury and Coalpaw to the twoleggedplace to assist Gregory and Shimmer." He paused to wait for the gasps to die down. Ashrock bared his teeth at his brother. Gregory and Shimmer glanced at each other. "I knew that the Clan needed prey--I didn't want anyone to go hungry. So, in return for our help, I accepted Shimmer's and Gregory's prey." He looked at Northstar. "Stormfury and Coalpaw were only following my orders. Though, I never anticipated that Coalpaw would go fetch the prey by himself." The deputy looked Goldberry and Coalpaw in the eye. "I am truly sorry for what happened. I didn't think anyone would get hurt because of this." "You accepted prey from pathetic kittypets?" Ashrock took a step forward. "You think that ShadowClan can't handle the leaf-bare on our own?!" "Hey!" Gregory and Shimmer frowned at Ashrock's insult. "What kind of deputy doesn't believe in their Clan!" Houndthroat scoffed, his tail lashing as he glared at Cedarstorm. Goldberry gazed wide-eyed at the deputy, glancing down as Coalpaw pleaded from his nest. “I-it’s not all bad! I kept begging him to help. I knew what I was doing. Blame me instead!” Goldberry shook his head, moving to press to his son. “You musn’t lie...you musn’t defend these actions, Coalpaw!” Lionscorch looked surprised, and Talltalon gave a deep growl. “See? Why have a brotherly spat over deputyship when both are clearly undeserving? What’s next, I turn out to be half-clan?”
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 3, 2019 0:10:51 GMT -5
Stormfury blinked in surprise. He truly had not expected Cedarstorm to admit what had happened and he wasn't sure if he felt relieved or concerned for the deputy's position. He remained silent, trying to process what had just happened.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 0:14:56 GMT -5
Cedarstorm flattened his ears at Talltalon's remark, but he didn't try to defend himself.
"Cedarstorm was just doing what he thought was best for the Clan." Kinkfire flattened her ears at Talltalon. "At least he's doing something!"
"I admire a deputy who isn't so proud to ask for help," Littlemoon admitted quietly.
"Yeah, and what if the other Clans found out about this?" Houndthroat shook his head. "We'd be the laughing stock of the forest!"
Northstar looked over at Stormfury, letting the Clan argue on. "You were willing to take the blame for Cedarstorm." She blinked at him with interest. "Why?"
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 3, 2019 0:19:56 GMT -5
Hey
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 0:21:53 GMT -5
(Hey Fox! Cedar just added to the prey thing.)
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 3, 2019 0:22:19 GMT -5
Stormfury looked at the leader. "I have much less to lose." He said simply. While he was slowly earning the trust of the clan, he knew Cedarstorm had been losing their confidence due to Ashrock. "Cedarstorm was only doing what he thought was right. He was put in a tough situation, but he made the best call he could given the circumstances. Not only did he have a big enough heart to help these kittypets, but he was humble enough to accept their gift as thanks. He didn't take the prey because ShadowClan was too weak to catch it themselves, but because they were strong enough to help other cats in their time of need." He glanced over at Cedarstorm. "I was willing to take the blame because I trust Cedarstorm with my life, and I knew he didn't deserve the ridicule of the clan."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 0:39:44 GMT -5
Cedarstorm blinked in surprise at the former WindClan tom. Did Stormfury really mean that? After how harsh Cedarstorm had been toward him? He swallowed and turned his eyes away, Stormfury's admittance almost a sobering realization for him. Cats of ShadowClan trusted him with their lives, some of them wanted to see him succeed. I hope I don't let them down. He flicked his ear and looked at Stormfury again. I hope I don't let anyone down.
Northstar smiled softly and suddenly nodded. "I couldn't agree more." Her words brought a new bout of start through the deputy. Northstar looked at Cedarstorm. "ShadowClan needs a cat who puts the Clan first above all and isn't so proud to seek outside help in troubled times. The only mistake the three of you made on your little venture was that you failed to tell the Clan, you failed to tell me. You must be able to stand by your decisions and not be ashamed of them. ShadowClan cannot survive if is no communication. Coalpaw is a prime example." Northstar looked toward the apprentice. "Had the rest of us been informed about the prey Gregory and Shimmer were bringing, Coalpaw wouldn't have been out there alone. He would've had a patrol with him." She turned to face the Clan. "We will continue to accepting the prey from Gregory and Shimmer through out he leaf bare since it is owed to us for Cedarstorm's, Stormfury's, and Coalpaw's help." Northstar then looked back at Cedarstorm, Stormfury, and Coalpaw. "I hope each of you have learned your lesson about keeping secrets from the Clan."
Cedarstorm dipped his head to the ShadowClan leader, almost too bewildered by Northstar's words to speak. "Y-yes, Northstar, I...I certainly have."
"What?!" Ashrock gaped in surprise. "You're going to just flick this away with your tail?! ShadowClan doesn't need help from outsiders!"
"You're right." Cliffheart looked over at the gray warrior. "But from what I heard, Gregory and Shimmer owe us the prey." The two outsiders nodded in agreement, quietly watching what was happening.
Ashrock bared his teeth and lashed his tail. "This isn't the ShadowClan way!"
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Post by Firebelly on Jan 3, 2019 0:44:18 GMT -5
Stormfury let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding at the leader's words. Despite Cliffheart's assurance that he wouldn't be thrown out of the clan there had been a tiny glimmer of doubt swimming in his head. "Thank you Northstar. I'm sorry we didn't come to you sooner." He dipped his head respectfully to the leader. Then he glanced at Cedarstorm, dipping his head respectfully to the deputy before padding over to Cloudscar, who had a proud look on his face.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 3, 2019 0:48:30 GMT -5
Spiderfang took a moment to call up, still more slender compared to the other queens but clearly healthy enough to support her kits without threat of starvation. She eyed her fellow queens, and her own daughter in the elder’s den, before she snorted. “Not telling the leader or deputy was stupid. But, I will say that this prey collection has worked. I could care less right now where the prey is coming from, so long as my kits and my denmate’s kits are fed. If kittypets and loners want to toss prey over the border, what matter is it? Even I can put down my pride when my kits are involved.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 0:51:32 GMT -5
(I'm going to call it a night, guys. Be on tomorrow!)
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 3, 2019 2:01:58 GMT -5
Flintclaw was shocked by what all had gone down. Accepting prey from kitty pets? Shadowclan had really sunk that low? He supposed they must do it however, their territory was so prey poor.
Oakstalk chimed in after a few moments. "We have to do what it takes to survive leafbare and if that's accepting help then so be it. The warrior code doesn't forbidden helping other cats or accepting help."
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 3, 2019 7:52:17 GMT -5
Flintclaw was shocked by what all had gone down. Accepting prey from kitty pets? Shadowclan had really sunk that low? He supposed they must do it however, their territory was so prey poor. Oakstalk chimed in after a few moments. "We have to do what it takes to survive leafbare and if that's accepting help then so be it. The warrior code doesn't forbidden helping other cats or accepting help." Honeypaw, who was near Oakstalk at this point, piped up in rare agreement with his mentor. The young tom snorted. “I think the idea’s clever. Getting cats from twolegplace to get us prey can feed the queens and kits and it can allow us to keep up with patrols by focusing on hunting a bit less. It’s taking us hours to find measly frogs and rats in this weather.” He huffed.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 11:11:23 GMT -5
Cedarstorm listened to the words of his clanmates, flicking his ear in the quiet surprise that most seem to be agreeing with his decision to accept prey from Gregory and Shimmer. He nodded back to Stormfury, a small sign of his thankfulness.
"Now, for the matter of the rogues that attacked Coalpaw." Northstar looked back at Gregory and Shimmer. "You think you can locate them?"
"I know a couple spots around the twoleggedplace that newcomers often use as temporary dens." Gregory nodded rather pleasantly. "And Shimmer remembers their scent."
"Coalpaw said their were just two cats." Cedarstorm looked at Northstar. "We could send a patrol into the twoleggedplace to teach them a lesson for trespassing on the territory."
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 3, 2019 11:28:45 GMT -5
“If we send a patrol.” Goldberry called up, his eyes suddenly flashing with cold drive. “I want to be a part of it. Nobody harms my son and gets away with it.”
“I’m all for kicking a rouges teeth in.” Talltalon gave a growl of agreement.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 3, 2019 15:57:24 GMT -5
Northstar looked to the Clan of the camp for their opinions.
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