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Post by Soαrιɴɢ Bloѕѕoмѕ ✿ on Aug 1, 2016 12:35:02 GMT -5
  You feel something warm, and begin to wriggle towards it, eventually pushing up against something warm and soft. Nice... is the first thing you can think of as you make yourself comfortable, yawning a bit, with your eyes still closed. "It's beautiful," a warm mew whispered, from above you, and you feel a warm tongue slide down your back, wriggling a bit, you find it quite nice and soothing. "Looks just like you!" another soft whisper from a bit further way sounded. "On the contrary, I feel like they look more like their father!" the voice above you chuckles in between licks, and you let out a small mewl to indicate that you're not quite okay with the sudden break. Suddenly, a deeper meow sounds from across the den, and you sudden feel the cat above you straighten up, almost with respect. "Welcome Featherstar," the cat above you mews, pushing you closer to her soft fur with her tail. "My my, is this our newest warrior?" the deep voice mewed, assumedly Featherstar. "Quite the active little one!" he joked as you tried to reposition yourself accordingly. "I wonder what it's aura will be?" Aura? You wonder, confused at the sudden mention of the word. What could it possible mean? "Now, now Featherstar," another voice mewed, amusement in her voice. "We have many more moons before we find out!" Then, suddenly, an outburst of laughter and mrrows filled the enclosed space. Startled, you squirm closer to your source of warmth. "It's fine," the soothing voice above whispered, giving you another lick, "Whatever it may be, I'm sure this little one will do their best." "Of course," Featherstar replied with pride, "They're an Auroraclan warrior by blood! Their destiny will lead them to walk a path of loyalty and respect!" Destiny...You begin to wonder. What is my destiny? But before you can go further into thought, you begin to feel a curtain of fatigue fall upon your small body. Yawning, you curl up a bit. "Ah, tired already?" the soft mewed asks lovingly, and gives you one final lick. "Sweet dreams, when you wake up, you will have a new world waiting for you!" I can't wait. 
 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetur adipiscing elit. Donec diam enim, congue in t ellus et, efficitur tincidunt ex. Pellentesque gravida o rnare enim nec sollicitudin. Sed aliquam sagittis diam eget aliquet. Fusce eget lorem varius, porttitor sem eu, mattis dolor. Etiam ut dui dapibus, pulvinar elit ultricies, rhoncus ipsum.  Maecenas vitae euismod erat.Nullam dapibus et lorem at placerat. Maecenas metus mi, maximus nec fringilla sed, volutpat in ipsum. Pellentesque bibendum ligula nulla, eu gravida ante gravida non. Fusce eget tincidunt magna, quis lacinia mauris. Nullam pellentesque enim a nunc lobortis ultricies. Quisque quis nisl nibh. Pellentesque a magna non est euismod vestibulum eget sit amet lorem. Proin convallis laoreet tellus vitae gravida.  
Camp: A depression into the land that was created by two-legs, but was never completed, and was left there for the wilderness to take over. This depression consists on many caves and access to several different areas of the island. It's a comfortable place for the clan cats. Forest: The pine forest, of course, has many pine trees. It very shadowy and dark here, and it is very silent. Predators are more common here, as they are most likely to hide in the pine trees and lash out at you when you least expect it. This overall is a somewhat dangerous place, so you should watch out for any danger. Training Area: Lying to the east of camp, the Training Area is can be found in a clearing dotted by a few smaller, lower-branched trees. Its ground is soft and moss-covered, a perfect spot for clumsy apprentices learning their battle moves. The smaller trees are especially convenient for learning climbing skills, and young apprentices are often taken here by their mentors. Underground Caverns: Here, medicine cats, leaders, and the oracle can only enter for ancient rituals. They do this in the Underground Cavern's secret, lush, and beautiful garden. It is a spiritual area, and has lots of useful herbs and useful plants spawning in the secret garden. Any cat who is unauthorized to enter will be punished greatly, from the lengths from exile to being trapped and lost in the Underground Cavern forever. Fallen Tree: The bridge that allows the Auroraclan cats to traverse to the Cavern of Lights from the safety of their island. The tree is relatively stable, but kits and elders are not allowed to cross it unless absolutely necessary. Monster's Trail: The Monster Trail, in twoleg terms, is a highway. To AuroraClan, the cats consider it to be a place where twoleg monsters and their twoleg owners run freely, but, the twolegs are too lazy to run on their own. This is a very loud place, and it is rarely quiet and not full with passing-by twoleg monsters and their owners. Land of Black Smoke: To twolegs, these are factories. It is very loud, dark, and mysterious to the cats of AuroraClan. Some might even say it might be haunted. Sometimes, twolegs go in there and ''work'' in there, but to AuroraClan, it seems to them that the Land of the Black Smoke has a spirit that runs the factory, hidden, this in reality, is the occasional technology. Cavern of Lights: A beautiful cavern which cracks in the ceiling that allows shafts of light to shine down upon those within the cavern. This place holds a mystical aura and a beautiful crystal shard in its center. Upon touching this shard, worthy cats may obtain their aura. Grove of Ancients: This section of the forest is full of huge, ancient trees towering above all the rest. It is an old growth forest, and has stood strong for generations. Though the elders like to boast they've seen these trees as saplings, this section of the forest is significantly older than the rest. Due to its ancient, towering trees, the Grove of Ancients is surrounded by somewhat of a mystical aura, and one cannot help but become awestruck upon seeing these sky-breaching trees. This area is only accessible to the Leader, Medicine Cat, and Oracle. |
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Post by Soαrιɴɢ Bloѕѕoмѕ ✿ on Aug 1, 2016 12:35:21 GMT -5
 Auroraclan follows strict traditions, that are respected by all those who live in the clan. Borealis Festum: The event where cats feel their auras resonate and grow stronger. This is a time of rejoicing and gathering. The days before this event is spent preparing and gathering food, for during this day, there is no working. During this festival, the moon shines brighter and the Northern Lights shimmer along with the stars. This happens once every two moons. During this time, the new Leader will earn their Aura Celebration of the New Lights: Once the apprentices go to awaken their aura, the clan prepares for their return, and celebrates this momentous occasion by, one by one, touching their nose to the apprentice's shoulder. The apprentice(s) then are allowed the first picks of the fresh-kill pile for the next two mornings. Declarationem Amoris: This is an important tradition in the clan, where new mates must declare their decision in front of the clan. Any oppositions towards the relationship must be mentioned at this moment. Should any disapprove of this relationship, the clan must decide, as a whole whether to accept them or not. Should they be accepted, there will be a small celebration of the new mates. Should they not be accepted, the cats may not continue their relationship. Should they do so, both are eligible for exile. Festival of the Stars: Night of a beautiful meteor shower that only occurs once every moon. During this night, mates will leave the clan to go towards the lakeside and view the stars. This is often where cats will propose matehood to other cats. Festum De Purpura Lux: The moment where a new oracle receives their aura, and, therefore, their destiny. This often occurs shortly after the previous Oracle passes away. It is often considered to be the light that shines after the darkness covers the clan.
 In Auroraclan, each cat has a role. Please be sure to understand these roles properly and thoroughly before joining the clan. *RP Tip: Auras are lights that coat the gifted cats at all time and occasionally do represent their emotions by flaring up or calming down. They emanate from the pelt itself. Leader: The cat in charge of the clan. This cat has a rainbow aura that was bestowed upon them during the Borealis Festival of Stars at the Cavern of Lights, and has the powers of each and every aura, but none of their weaknesses. The leader is the spokesperson for the clan as a whole and leads the rituals and ceremonies along with the oracle. Only the leader, medicine cat, and the oracle are allowed into the Grove of Ancients. Not allowed to have a mate after they become the Clan Leader, however, should they have a mate prior to becoming the Clan Leader, it shall be allowed. Deputy: The deputy holds their own individual aura, but is the second-in-command of the clan. Should the leader be unable to perform their duties, the deputy takes charge. In charge of scheduling patrols for the scouts, clan guards, and the prey hunters. They handle the training schedules for the apprentices as well. Allowed into the Grove of Ancients. Allowed to have a mate. Medicine Cat: A cat with green aura. This cat is responsible for healing the entire clan, and for keeping the cats as healthy as possible. They are the keeper of the Spirit Garden. They have an innate understanding of herbs and poultices, and have the ability to detect the sources of pain in their patients. These cats have very low stamina, and are extremely prone to fainting if strained too much. Not allowed to have a mate. Only one allowed in the clan, not including their apprentice. Clan Guard: A cat with red aura. These cats are the strength of the clan, and are in charge of protecting the clan from unwanted intruders. One or two will always join scouts and prey-hunters on their patrols. They are talented in combat and spend most of their free time combat training. They, however, are also trained to hunt, but do not excel at this. In times of trouble, they are able to have temporary bouts of invisibility that last for approximately fifteen minutes, but after this time is over, they collapse. They are significantly slower and bulkier than other cats. Scout: A cat with orange aura. These are the swiftest cats of the clan, and are born with the ability, and are also trained to, pick up even the faintest of scents. They are excellent trackers and lead the border patrols. They avoid fights, and are often used as messengers to relay messages from the battleground to any recipient of the message. They have the ability to "see" scent trails, which are more fluorescent than its surroundings. However, they are prone to injuries and illnesses. First Step Mentor: A cat with yellow aura. The more intellectual and patient cats of the clan. They are given the task of training apprentices for the first five moons of their apprenticeship, after which they are given specialized mentors according to their aura type. They train apprentices about their basic survival skills, and are the jack of all trades, but the master of none. They are hypersensitive to the emotions of other cats. Council Member: A cat with blue aura. Council members are special cats that were not born with their blue aura, rather they earned their blue aura after they received their title as a Council Member, which is determined by the Oracle. Usually, they are the cats that have mastered their given talent, but this is not always the case. There are five council members, one for each aura type, and one to represent the Auraless cats. Council members are known for their wisdom, and they convene every half-moon to discuss any current issues with the clan; they also meet under serious circumstances. Council members have their own den, and can join patrols with the scouts and prey hunters in their free time. They are able to determine if a cat is lying, but cannot determine the reason for it. They suffer from nightmares significantly more often than other cats. They are not allowed to have a mate after they earn their title, but should they have a mate prior to earning their blue aura, this shall be allowed. Prey Hunter: A cat with indigo aura. The more agile and stealthy cats of the clan. They are responsible for providing the clan with enough prey to survive. They almost always lead hunting patrols, but are not the only cats allowed to participate in patrols. They have an excellent ability to adapt to their surroundings and capture prey swiftly and nimbly. These cats have excellent hearing, and are able to stalk prey silently. They, however, are often found to be terrible at combat, and often stay out of fights if possible. Oracle: A cat with violet aura. Only one Oracle can exist in the clan at a time, and when one dies, a new Oracle is given their violet aura. The Oracle is able to see prophetic visions and is the only cat that can sense the aura in kits and unawakened apprentices who have Auroraclan blood. The Oracle is the one that nominates Council Members. They are not allowed to leave the clan without the utmost supervision. They have the shortest life-span, living only 25 moons. They are allowed into the Grove of Ancients. The Oracle is not allowed to have a mate. The Auraless: A cat with no aura. These cats do not have any particular talent and are notably different from the other cats in the clan. Since they don't have an aura, once they finish their first five moon training with the first step mentors, that will be the end of their training and they will immediately become warriors, unless they wish to continue training under another auraless cat, which must be requested for ahead of time. Some of the other cats look down at these cats, since they don't have any particular talent like the others. Apprentices: A cat with unawakened aura. Apprentices do not earn their aura until they complete their fifth moon of training, after which they shall travel to the Cavern of Lights with the Leader, Medicine Cat, and Oracle to awaken their respective aura. After this point, they are assigned to specific cats to train under. The only exceptions to this rule are the medicine cat apprentice and the future Oracle, who is determined by the current Oracle upon their sixth moon. Once these cats have been determined, they have a moon to prepare before awakening their aura. Elders: A cat with fading aura. Once a cat retires to the elders' den, their aura begins to fade. Upon the time of death, the aura will fade away entirely, and these cats will pass away. Please understand these roles well!
 The Code Is Life I. The Leader's Final Word is Law II. Kits are not allowed to leave the camp until they have been apprenticed at 6 moons. III. Queens, kits, and elders eat first. IV. The Medicine Cat and Oracle may never have mates. V. The Council must meet every half moon. VI. Non-Auroraclan cats are not allowed to join the clan. VII. The Cats must reject the life of a kitty-pet VIII. Never attack your own cats. IX. Never betray the clan. X. An Auraless Cat cannot become deputy or leader. XI. Specialized apprenticeship lasts until the mentor indicates that their apprentice is ready. XII. The Oracle is never to leave the clan camp without two clan guards and a scout. XIII. Mates must declare their relationship to be approved by the clan. IXV. No cat besides the Leader, Medicine Cat, and Oracle are allowed to enter the Grove of Ancients. XV. Those who defile or disobey the Auroraclan Code are to be exiled. |
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Post by Soαrιɴɢ Bloѕѕoмѕ ✿ on Aug 1, 2016 12:50:57 GMT -5
 PrologueThe silver tom watched through a haze, as a lithe she-cat padded rapidly through the forest. Her slender body allowed her to crawl through small openings and crevices. Her eyes, however, held a darker look, as if she was afraid of something. The she-cat, clearly fatigued from her evidently long journey, decided to take a rest, her flank heaving up and down as she struggled for a breath. Has she been traveling far? The tom thought as he continued to observe the other-worldly scenario, his pale blue eyes gleamed with sharp awareness of his surroundings. Suddenly a large figure loomed over the recovering she-cat, its cold shadow created a barrier between her and the warm rays of the sun. “Watch out!” the silver tom called, but the no avail. The she-cat, clearly on the verge of passing out, did not seem to notice the shadow until the source of it came up to her.“You seem quite tired,” a large ginger tom grumbled, an amalgamation of tones concealed any motives that he could have held. “But you’re on my land now.” The ragged tom’s eyes held no sympathy for the she-cat, and he unsheathed his talon-like claws. The she-cat’s eyes morphed from a look of confusion to horror, “P-Please!” she begged. “Just allow me to stay the night here, I’ll be sure to leave in the morning!” Struggling to her feeble and worn-out paws, the silver cat bowed her head, a symbol of both her respect and desperation.“Why, as much as I’d like to,” the ginger tom replied, mock sympathy seasoning his deep and frightening voice, “I simply cannot make an exception for one cat. I, too, have to abide by the rules.”The she-cat’s eyes narrowed. She knew that she only had once choice. Within a second, the she-cat leaped at the threatening cat, her claws outstretched. But her fatigue did not allow her to create the blow that she needed. The large tom swung his paw and batted the she-cat to the side, as if she were a ball of moss that kits played with.“Ah, I guess you’re not as much of a kittypet that I expected you to be,” the tom complimented, amusement tingeing his dark green eyes. “You’ve got some spunk.”The she-cat, clearly not willing to die so passively, hissed. “I’m not as pathetic as you think I am. I’m a strong fighter. I’ve fought many cats, and I will fight you to the death if you do not let me go.”The rugged tom’s eyes glowed with amusement and curiosity, and he sheathed his claws. “Okay, okay. So, where do you plan to head to anyway?”“That doesn’t concern you!” she growled. She firmly held her guarded position, not willing to let the tom take advantage of her again. “Calm down,” the tom growled, raising a paw as a sign of peace. “Now that I've taken an interest in you, I won’t kill you. My name is Scorchstar.”Still suspicious, the she-cat sat down, but her claws remained unsheathed as they pierced into the dew-covered grass. “I am ‘Whisper that Echoes in the Canyon’.” She replied, eyeing the tom with contempt. “Although I am known just as Echo.”“Quite the name,” Scorchstar replied, a growl resonated in his throat, simulating that of a purr. “So, Echo, where are you headed to?”Echo’s guarded posture eased, as her unusually light blue eyes shimmered with sorrow. “I have no home. I have been wandering, searching for shelter for half a moon.” The concession, however, did not leave the she-cat defenseless. “But I still remain strong, you will not kill me easily.”“Didn’t I say that I had no intention of killing you? Quite the opposite, I want you to join me. My clan.”Echo’s eyes widened at the offer, “You have your own tribe?” she gasped, taken aback at the idea of another tribe in such a dense area. “Tribe? Oh, well…something of the sort.” Scorchstar replied, his ears flicked in slight confusion. “Do you accept this proposal?”The she-cat, a bit nervous, realized that this was her only chance of living. Echo glanced at her thin figure, her bones bulged out of her sides as he dull fur drooped from its sharp projections. She had not eaten in days, and she could not afford to go hungry for much longer. “I am sure that your leader will not allow me in just like that.” “On contraire, I think he’ll be perfectly elated.” Scorchstar got to his paws and signaled for the she-cat to follow. “After all, he’s the one that invited you in the first place.”Realization swept over Echo. Perhaps this was her only chance to be safe from the terrors that she had run from. However, could she really place her burden onto this cat and his tribe-of-sorts? "You don't understand..." She whispered, her blue eyes narrowed, "I cannot stay in one place, for I am running from my destiny...It is one that I cannot accept...!""Well then," Scorchstar replied, his dark green eyes brightening up, "You've come to the right place. We don't believe in that destiny mouse dung! You can choose your own life!"The lithe she-cat's light blue gaze fell upon his dark green one, and she slowly got to her paws. "Well, then I may just as well follow you." She replied. The silver tom watched through the haze as Echo followed Scorchstar. His light blue eyes focused on the two cats. Why am I here? He thought, Who are these cats? He decided to follow them, but as soon as he placed one paw forward a light flashed in front of him. The bright glow blinded the tom as he was enveloped in its lukewarm glow. Then all faded to black.  Ch 1
Tawnypaw, her matted ginger and white fur sticking out in all sorts of angles, tossed and turned in her nest. She couldn’t sleep properly when her brother was making all sorts of weird noises in his sleep. He’s probably having a dream about catching mice, she thought as irritation sparked through her mind. Hunting is all he’s good at. Attempting to drift back into the gentle darkness of sleep, Tawnypaw closed her eyes. A loud yelp pierced through her right ear, and she tumbled onto her side in shock. Her pale blue eyes wide from the huge startle. “Tawnypaw! Shut Splashpaw up!” a brown tabby tom moaned, giving her an icy green glare. “Gosh Badgerpaw, you’re acting like that’s even possible!” Tawnypaw replied, sitting up in her nest. “Don’t worry; you’ll get used to it.”“But I have an assessment at sunhigh. I have to be ready!” he argued, his ears flicking as his agitated glare sharpened. “Well, that sounds like a personal problem to me,” Tawnypaw purred as she groomed her matted fur down. “I guess you’ll just have to wing it!” The she-cat swerved around, and padded out of the apprentices’ den without even waiting for a reply.The bright golden rays flashed in her eyes as she stepped out of the cool shade of the den from which she left. The ginger patches of gleamed golden as they were warmed by the gentle rays of sunlight. She gazed around the clan as it buzzed with activity. Two kits tumbled in front of her, batting each other with their paws as they somersaulted carelessly. Tawnypaw’s blue gaze softened. She remembered the days where she and her brother could run around without worrying about their next assessment or whether their skills were good enough.“Tawnypaw!” a voice called, and the dappled ginger and white she-cat gazed towards its source. A dark ginger tom padded towards her, his light amber eyes wide with cheerfulness. “Thank goodness you finally woke up!”“Hello Robinwing,” Tawnypaw greeted, a more positive tone engulfed her previously sarcastic one. “How’s the prey running?”“The usual, I just got back from a patrol, actually, and we got a pretty good amount,” Robinwing replied, fluffing up a bit with pride. “But you know that no cat can compare with Splashpaw, that apprentice has a talent for hunting.”“That’s all he’s good for!” Tawnypaw huffed, glancing sideways, feinting jealousy. But she could never be envious of her brother; after all, he was all she had left.“How’s your training?” Robinwing asked, his words piercing into Tawnypaw’s sentimental thoughts. “Are you close to becoming a warrior?”The she-cat’s eyes lit up in amusement, “You ask me that all that time. I’m not as close as I would like to be, but I’m getting there. Why?”“No reason,” the tom mewed awkwardly, redirecting his gaze to a nearby rock. “Just curious.”“What’re you two talking about?” The grumble resonated through the entrance of the den, as a silver tabby tom padded sleepily from the den. His blue eyes a bit dull, as if he were only half-awake.  “Finally, you dormouse!” Tawnypaw mewed. “I thought you were going to sleep until you became an elder!” Robinwing let out a mrrow of laughter, nudging Splashpaw playfully with one paw. Splashpaw’s eyes held no amusement. “You’re hilarious.” He grumbled, as she sat down to groom his pelt. “It’s too bad that I’m not laughing.” He stopped grooming midway, his eyes narrowed while his tongue still hung in the air. “More importantly, we need to talk.”“You want to talk with me? Gee, what an honor!” Robinwing gasped, swishing his tail sideways as if her were a kit that was finally becoming an apprentice. “Shut up mousebrain, you know who I was talking to,” Splashpaw hissed, turning his gaze to his sister. “It’s an emergency.” An emergency? What happened? Did he get a burr stuck in his pelt? Tawnypaw thought with amusement, “Sure. What’s up?”“We can’t talk here,” Splashpaw instructed, glancing at the ginger warrior. “We have to go further away.” Robinwing glanced at Tawnypaw for a moment, and then nodded. “I’ll see you later Tawnypaw,” he mewed, dipping his head in farewell.Tawnypaw watched the tom pad away, and then turned her head to her brother. “So what’s going on? What’s the problem?” She asked, getting to her paws as she prepared to head into a quieter location. Splashpaw’s blue eyes darkened and a light breeze blew his silver pelt to the side. “I wish I knew.” Ch 2 Quietly slipping into a small crevice behind the empty warrior’s den. It was the most ideal spot to converse privately.Turning to face his sister, Splashpaw sighed as he spotted his littermate’s iconic blank stare of confusion. She was too prideful to admit that she had no idea what was going on, so she would often just stare at the cat she was talking to with a blank expression on her face until they decided to clarify themselves. It was one of her more “eccentric” traits, and even that was a nicer term for it than he would outright say. The silver tabby apprentice hit his wispy tail against her ginger muzzle. “Stay with me mousebrain, I’ll explain it,” he sighed, glancing around to make sure no other cat was sticking their nose where it didn’t belong.“I had another dream last night…” he whispered, his ears lowering a bit in a futile attempt to hide a bit more from the other cats. “I saw this...she-cat with-”“Hold up. You called me out here...because you dreamt about a random she-cat?” the ginger and white she-cat interrupted, her pale blue eyes wide in disbelief. Sighing, she shook her head as if dissapointed with Splashpaw. “I mean, I get it, you’re a growing tom and sometimes you like to think about she-cats and stuff, but come on!”Splashpaw’s blue gaze narrowed with irritation. I have half a mind to claw her face off if that’ll keep her quiet. “Shush, ratbrain! Can you go five seconds without blabbering?” he hissed, pressing his white paw up against her muzzle. Once his sister nodded, he took a deep breath and, almost unwillingly, removed his paw from her mouth. “The issue isn’t her being there. The issue is that she was recruited to a clan by this cat named Scorchstar!” he whispered. “I mean, I know Shadowstar has been leader since before we were born, but isn’t it possible that Scorchstar was the leader before him?”“Or after!” Tawnypaw interjected, her tone serious this time, but also intrigued. He appreciated the fact that she didn’t doubt him like he knew most cats would. Her willingness to trust others was something he wished he shared with his littermate, but, alas, he was probably the most cynical cat in the clan.Splashpaw’s pale blue gaze softened, “I don’t think I can see into the future. I’m no medicine cat.”“Yeah, but normal cats can’t see the past either, especially if it was from before they were born!” the ginger apprentice debated, her pelt fluffing up from what he presumed to be excitement. “Maybe this is a sign from Starclan, that you’re meant to be a medicine cat apprentice!” she mewed, her eyes widening at the thought.“Yeah, just like your constant babbling is a sign that you’re going to become the next leader,” he muttered, drooping his head from his sister’s illogical comment.“You think so?” she asked, sticking her face up into his. “You know, I always felt like I had a talent for leading others. Hmm, I do like the sound of Tawnyst-”“Riveting,” Splashpaw interrupted, not caring enough to listen to Tawnypaw’s eternity-long daydreaming. “But what do you think? Should I tell Mallowcall?”“Yeah, I think you’d be an amazing medicine cat in the future.” Tawnypaw answered immediately, her eyes narrowing. Splashpaw returned the look, but he knew that Tawnypaw was right. Mallowcall wasn’t getting younger, and every cat in the clan knew that she was always keeping an eye on the kits, hoping that one of them would so much as turn their eyes towards her den, or even accidentally wander in there so that she could try to convince them that medicine was their calling. Mallowcall was a nice enough she-cat, but she could be quite persistent when she had her mind on something. Splashpaw was a warrior at heart, and he wanted to keep as far away from the medicine cat until he at least earned his warrior name.“Then what should I do? I don’t think it’s normal to have these dreams for no reason whatsoever!” he hissed, almost desperate for one of her cluelessly optimistic responses. But he knew was wasn’t getting one as Tawnypaw gave him one of the most serious looks he had seen from her.  “Wait. Don’t say anything unless it happens a few more times. Sometimes the mind is a weird thing.” she instructed, getting to her paws. “I’ll cover you as much as I can, but try not to slip up. Sometimes the others can get a bit too over dramatic if they hear something they don’t understand.”Nodding the tom got to his paws as well. The conversation was over, and if they hid any longer, they might get in trouble. As they both squeezed out of the small gap, Splashpaw flinched as they found Dovepaw waiting outside the gap, staring right at them with her cold, analytical amber glare.“What are the two of you doing?” she asked, as if their time was something she was in charge of. Since she was senior to them in the apprentices’ den, she often took it upon herself to ensure that there was order amongst the “rowdy” young cats. She had a particular dislike for Tawnypaw and Splashpaw due to their unusual pale blue eyes, a trait that most cats, if not all, didn’t share. The she-cat often claimed it was unnatural and illogical for cats to have such an eye color, and labeled the two littermates as cats that had broken her “laws of logic”.Not that Splashpaw cared, and from the lack of concern in Tawnypaw’s care-free expression, neither did she.“Talking,” Splashpaw returning her cold, hard glare. “Sorry if that’s too unnatural for you.” Turning his head away as the dappled gray and white apprentice fumed at his statement, Splashpaw headed towards the center of the clearing, with Tawnypaw following close behind.The warriors nearby turned and nodded to the apprentices, lighthearted and with warmth in their gaze, they watched the two littermates share a small rabbit between themselves. Although Splashpaw occasionally found cats staring at him annoying, it wasn’t horrible. The two of them were Leafclan cats, and regardless of their strange eye color, they were accepted by everyone else.Splashpaw felt a warm panging in his chest, and he realized how content he was with his life. Momentarily forgetting about his dream, the silver tabby apprentice slowly took the first bite of their meal. Please, Starclan, don’t let anything change. Ch 3 Robinwing stood near the entrance of the camp, his conversation with Tawnypaw still stuck in his mind, constantly repeating itself. He shook his head, trying to figure out why, recently, he hadn’t been able to have a full and stutter-free conversation with his friend. Being only a couple of moons older than the littermates, the three of them grew up as very close friends. I can talk to Splashpaw just fine. Ah, maybe some hunting will help me calm down. Turning instinctively in order to look for the siblings, Robinwing froze. Actually…maybe I should just hunt by myself this time…Turning, the tom left the Leafclan clearing, hoping to return with prey and a clear mind. Heading up the slope that lead to the expansive forest that engulfed the clan, as well as protected it, the ginger and gray tom felt the breeze flow through his pelt. It seemed to cool him down already and fill him with energy. “Alright!” he shouted, not thinking to keep his voice down. “I’m so refreshed!” Not waiting to make a plan, the ginger warrior dashed off into the midst of the great woods. His amber eyes shone brightly as they switched from left to right in search of prey as he sprinted ahead. “Ah!” the tom gasped, as he realized that he wasn’t going to catch any prey just by running around like an apprentice on its first tour of the territory. Slowing down, Robinwing raised his ears and opened his mouth to try and detect any prey in the clearing.His pelt bristled a bit in excitement as he hear rustling from his left, slowly shifting to his hunters’ crouch, the ginger tom lowered his belly close to the warm earth, the short blades of grass rubbing again his flank. His wide amber eyes narrowed immediately as he slunk towards his prey, soon he noticed two large ears point upwards, long and floppy. Careless! Just the way I like my prey! Not waiting another second, the warrior leaped into the air, his jaws wide open, revealing his sharp fangs. The rabbit looked up, frozen at the sudden appearance of its hunter. Turning in an attempt to escape, Robinwing landed on the creature and placed his weight on it while he sunk his teeth into its fluffy pelt. Wriggling, the small creature’s resistance was futile and soon it went limp. Sorry little guy. But the clan needs you, Robinwing thought, his eyes dilating from its previously narrowed and intense state. Picking up his prize, the ginger warrior began to dig a small hole in the soft earth, dropping his rabbit as soon as it was deep enough.Robinwing felt his chest grow warm in pride as he covered up his prey. He wasn’t the best hunter, nor was he the best fighter. In fact, he wasn’t particularly good at anything. Actually, he was just…average. The tom began to think about his situation as he padded off towards the deeper part of the forest, his ears flicking in thought. It seemed to him that each and every cat had their own talents, their own strengths. Shadowstar was an amazing leader, Mallowcall could heal, Mousestep has an amazing way of communicating with the kits and apprentices, Petalbreeze was the most silent cat he had ever met, Dovepaw was extremely analytical and almost always accurate in her actions, Splashpaw was an extraordrinary hunter, and Tawnypaw was… Robinwing felt his breath leave him for a second as the ginger and white dappled she-cat appeared in his mind, her pale blue gaze shining, reflecting her optimistic personality. Tawnypaw was…“Perfect!” a voice called from behind, and the ginger warrior froze in place. What was that?!? He thought, not able to recognize the mew he had just heard. It was in the same direction as his captured prey. Oh, don’t tell me… Not waiting another second, Robinwing turned around and sprinted towards his kill, hoping that it wasn’t what it expected. Pushing through the leaves and bushes in front of him, the tom’s eyes widened as he spotted a small blue-gray she-cat gnawing on freshly unburied rabbit while a stone gray tom stood over her, his ears flicking in contempt. “Wow, way to be such a desperate cat!” he hissed, “I’m sure you’ve alerted every single cat in the vicinity!” The blue-gray she-cat looked up, pouting at the tom’s words. “Well Wind, maybe the cat we’re looking for would show up when she heard my voice!” The tom bared his teeth and scoffed, “Your name is completely unfitting for such a rambunctious she-cat as you.” Robinwing hid behind the foliage, not sure whether to interrupt himself or alert the clan that there were intruders on Leafclan territory. But they might be gone by the time we return… he thought, conflicted. His thoughts, however, were cut short as the she-cat replied to her friend as soon as she swallowed a large bite of Robinwing’s rabbit. “Really? I think that Whisper suits me perfectly! I’m silent, but deadly!” “I don’t think you really understand what the word ‘whisper’ really means, you pebblebrain,” the tom retorted, getting to his paws. “Anyways, I doubt the cat that we’re looking for is even here. I wouldn’t mind hunting a bit before we move on.”“Oh no you don’t!” Robinwing growled, stepping slowly out of his cover. The sudden thought of a random, pretentious tom like this “Wind” stealing precious Leafclan prey sapped the ginger warrior of all rational thought. “Who are you, and why are you on Leafclan territory?” he hissed, baring his teeth. “Woah! A cat!” Whisper squeaked, more excited than intimidated. Turning towards Wind, the she-cat gleamed. “Ha! Told you Wind! I told you that my voice was a beacon to other cats!” But Wind didn’t seem to register the she-cat’s remark, for he leaped in front of her and unsheathed his claws as he faced off with Robinwing. The tom was well-built, much more than a newly named warrior such as Robinwing. But he had already made a decision, and he was willing to die defending his clan. “Leave!” he growled. “You’re not welcome here, especially if it’s to steal our prey!” Robinwing warned, unsheathing his claws in response to the gray tom. “Oh, and are you going to make me, you scrawny shrimp of a cat?” Wind scoffed, his eyes narrowing condescendingly at the ginger tom. “You wouldn’t even scratch me!” “Why I oughta’-” “Wait!” Whisper yowled, stepping between the two toms, waving her wispy blue-gray tail. “Stop it, both of you! Especially you Wind!” she mewed, glaring at the stone gray cat. Turning towards Robinwing, who still had his claws unsheathed, she eyes grew wide. “Where did you say we were?” she asked, padding up to him.“Wha- What are you talking about?” Robinwing replied, confused at the she-cat’s lack of fear and hesitation. “Where are we?” she repeated, tilting her head to the side. “We’re intruding right? Whose territory is this?” “Leafclan!” he growled. “You stole a Leafclan rabbit, one that I had just caught!” “Leafclan? Why, Wind did you hear that? Leafclan!” she squeaked, bouncing a bit in place. The small blue gray she-cat turned to face her companion. “We found it!” Not waiting for a response from Wind, Whisper quickly turned back to Robinwing. “Take us to your camp! We need to see some cat!” “What? Why would I do that? I’m no mousebrain!” he growled. “Well, if you don’t, then we’ll just stay here until we find the camp ourselves. And who knows what we’ll do then?” she mewed, an ominious tone seeping into her innocent mew. The she-cat glanced her eyes upward and met his own, the icy dark blue stare sent chills down the ginger warrior’s spine. “You wouldn’t want that, now would you?” she hissed, rubbing her tail against his cheek. “I…I…I got it! Whatever! Shadowstar will punish you regardless of when you come. You might as well come with me now!” he hissed, turning his amber gaze away from her ominous blue stare. “Great!” she squeaked happily, the vile look now completely absent from her eyes. Had Robinwing imagined it? She turned towards him again, gleaming with happiness. “Oh, and the rabbit was absolutely delicious!” The blue gray she-cat turned away once more, and padded towards Wind’s side, ready to head off towards the clan. Oh Starclan, Robinwing thought as he began to pad in the direction of the camp. Please don’t let this be a huge mistake…!
Ch 4Tawnypaw slowly blinked away to see her silver tabby brother curled up next to her in a patch of soft grass that was, fortunately, right below rippling rays of sunlight that filtered through the gaps in the tree leaves above. Her ginger and white pelt felt warm, between the dappling rays of light from above and the comforting scent and touch of her snoozing littermate. Glancing around to see if Petalbreeze was looking for her, or worse, complaining about her. Yet the she-cat wasn’t to be found. She’s probably with Raveneye again. Those two are more attached than a kit and its first ball of moss. Yawning, Tawnypaw realized that perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. It wasn’t very often that Splashpaw would be willing to relax with her without being paranoid about getting in trouble with Shadowstar, both their leader and his mentor. Yet, there the anxiety-filled cat was, curled up, her breathing rhythmically pressing his soft gray fur against her own ginger and white pelt. Tawnypaw’s blue eyes softened, and she stretched her neck out of give her brother a quick lick on the cheek. Despite all their sarcastic arguments, she truly did love him. He was the reason that she could see the world in a positive light. The reason she could be carefree. Because he would always protect her, just as she would always protect him.“Well there you two furballs are!” a gentle voice called, purring affectionately. Tawnypaw’s blue gaze widened and she looked up to see Mousestep gazing fondly at the littermates. “Why, it’s rare to see Splashpaw so peacefully napping, isn’t it?” she mewed, brushing her brown tail across his pelt gently, as to not wake him up. Tawnypaw’s eyes brightened and she waved her tail excitedly. She adored Mousestep, and was probably closer to her than she was to any other warrior, with the exception of Robinwing who wasn’t much older than Tawnypaw was.After her mother had died, Mousestep had basically stepped up to raise the littermates on her own, since her own kit had died during kitting not long before the littermates were born. She often told them that they were gifts that she felt she didn’t deserve, but Tawnypaw felt it was more the otherway around.Slowly getting up and trying not to wake her brother up, the ginger and white apprentice affectionately placed her flank against the brown tabby she-cat. “I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to you in a while!” she mewed, pouting a bit. “Are you always on duty?”“Be calm, little one,” she purred, giving Tawnypaw a reassuring lick on the head. “Remember I have an apprentice as well, and she’s very close to becoming a warrior, so it’s essential that I really focus on her training.”“Hmph!” Tawnypaw huffed, “You should train Dovepaw to train her bad attitude…”“Now don’t say such things!” Mousestep scolded, flicking her adoptive daughter on the ear with the tip of her tail. “Dovepaw is two moons older than you, you must show respect! I know I raised you better than this!” She bent down to meet the apprentice’s pale blue eyes. “Why don’t you make an effort to get to know her a bit more? I’m sure she’ll be an irreplaceable friend.”“Pfft, yeah sure. If she doesn’t nag me to death first,” the dappled she-cat huffed. She rarely showed frustration outwardly, but around Mousestep, her barrier of positivity seemed to dissipate and she could complain and de-stress all she wanted.“Taw-”“Robinwing? Who’s that with you?” a yowl sounded from the entrance of the clearing. As if in sync, both Tawnypaw and Mousestep turned their gaze towards the entrance. Just as the cry decreed, Robinwing was followed by a lithe blue-gray she-cat and a muscular dark gray tom. Robinwing? Wait...what’s going on?!? Curious, Tawnypaw lifted her paw to get closer, but Mousestep placed her paw in front of the she-cat.“No. Stay here where you cannot be seen.” the dark brown tabby ordered, not even meeting her daughter’s eyes. Taken aback at the she-cat’s tone, Tawnypaw backstepped towards her sleeping brother.“Splashpaw,” she hissed quietly into her brother’s ear, nudging him. “Wake up, please!” Tawnypaw’s nudging became more forceful, and the silver tabby opened one glaring eye to see what was going on.“Can’t a tom get a wink of rest?”“No! There’re...there’re...strangers in the clan! Robinwing brought them in! I don’t know what’s going on, but now is not the best time for a catnap!” she hissed.“Wha-”“And who may these two cats be?” a deep, booming voice echoed around the nearly silent clearing. Shadowstar peered from the high ledge, his green eyes darkened and narrowed. These visitors were clearly not welcome, regardless of their intent.Robinwing stepped forward, “Their names ar-”“I can introduce myself, thank you,” the blue-gray she-cat mewed, an eerily calm tone coating her interrupting meow. “My name is Whisper, and the bulk next to me is Wind.” The gray tom turned to glare at his companion before looking back up at Shadowstar. “We have come here for a reason, one that should be quick if you all cooperate.”“You are in no place to bargain or threaten,” Shadowstar growled, taking a step forward. “Name your reason, and we’ll determine whether or not to imprison you.”“Well, I was just about to, but I was so rudelyinterrupted!” she exclaimed, feigning disgust. Hypocrite, Tawnypaw thought baring her teeth. If she were Robinwing, Whisper probably would be in three pieces right now.“We’re here looking for a certain cat,” Whisper mewed, her icy tone sending shivers down Tawnypaw’s spine. “A certain cat named Whisper that Echoes in the Canyon, or perhaps you may call her Echo? Yes, that’s certainly more simple for you... clan cats.” You clan cats? Why I oughta’!!! About to yowl an insult, Mousestep immediately pushed her and Splashpaw towards the furthest corner of the camp. “Hey, ah!” Tawnypaw squeaked.“Hush! Not a sound! Go and hide! You are not to be seen! Not a single strand of fur!” Mousestep hissed, her amber eyes narrowed with a sense of seriousness that was foreign to Tawnypaw, and from the awe in Splashpaw’s eyes, he felt the same. The two littermates could do no more than nod in agreement before slinking towards the dark and shadowy corner.Scorchstar’s eyes darkened, and he immediately jumped down from the High Ledge to face Whisper. “We have no cat named Echo in this clan. Your idea was misguided. Leave. Now!”“Oh, is that so? Well, then why has every cat in this clan stiffened? It seems to me that Echo is quite a familiar name, for better or for worse.” Whisper took a step forward and stuck her muzzle up to Shadowstar’s own. “We’re not leaving until you give her to us.”“She’s not here,” Shadowstar repeated, anger tinged in his deep, gruff growl. Who is this Echo? I’ve never met her, so I suppose Shadowstar is telling the truth. But why aren’t Badgerpaw and Dovepaw hiding as well? Why only us? What’s wrong with everyone?“Splashpaw, what do you think is-” she began, as she turned towards her brother. But her mouth stopped moving as she saw her brother shivering and his eyes revealing his horror at the name Whisper had brought forth. “Splashpaw? Splashpaw!” she whispered, nudging him. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”“It can’t be...that name....Echo...Echo is the cat I saw…” Splashpaw stuttered, shifting her empty and horrified gaze to his paws. “She...can’t be…”“What’s wrong with you?” she whispered, inching closer to him. “When did you meet her? In the woods? While hunting? Give me something to work with here!”Her brother slowly lifted his head, and his pale blue gaze met Tawnypaw’s own."In my dream."
Ch 5 Ch 6
Ch 7
Ch 8
Ch 9 Ch 10
Ch 11
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Froststorm -- 37 Moons - Tom
Clouddrop -- 25 Moons - She-cat
Longlight-- 18 Moons- Tom
Falconleap-- 23 Moons- Tom
Owlfern-- 26 Moons- She-cat
Starlingskip -- 45 Moons - She-cat
Timberleaf -- 28 Moons - Tom
Quickflight -- 32 Moons - Tom
Seedstep -- 22 Moons- Tom
Petalnose -- 29 Moons - She-cat
Tawnypaw -- 8 Moons - She-cat
Nov 21, 2024 15:09:07 GMT -5
Nov 21, 2024 15:09:07 GMT -5
