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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Apr 11, 2017 22:23:45 GMT -5
A Lesson on Empathy
A Warriors Fan-Fiction by LynxLeap
Synopsis
Veraque is a rogue kit whom grows with her siblings, and her parents, past kitty-pets in the forest of an odd warrior clan called WispClan. The clan hears whispers of cats hunting in their forest, and discover the family, attacking the parents, Motus and Lux. Veraque, Acri, Ilex, Celeritas, and Fortis get involved in the battle and the clan cats surprised by the bravery and hope in the eyes of the kits, stop attacking. Instead, Wispclan adopts the kits and their parents upon the order of the leader of Wispclan, Skystar. Upon being questioned by Motus and Lux, the WispClan cats mention an enemy of rogue cats who attack them frequently, and describe why they try to protect all of their cats to the best of their ability, and why they attacked the past-rogues. But that goal to protect is tested as moons pass, and finally after a life changing event occurs because of the rogues, Veraque, her siblings, and her peers have to finally face their enemies. But an unexpected event changes the course of all their destinies, and Veraque must adapt to her role in protecting her clan in a extremely unpredictable way. If she fails, and her loyal peers do, the cost will not be only their lives, but the history of the forest and the unforgettable events that have passed down from generations, and the only hope for peace and empathy on the future of their future generations.
Introduction
Welcome to A Lesson on Empathy, the story of 7 ordinary rogues turned into loyal Warriors and the lessons and tests they encounter. The protagonist is a gentle, shy, and caring character whom through her trials learns her true destiny and identity. She may cause turmoil at times, but her heart is in the right place, as are her peers. Her siblings and her parents, Lux and Motus, protect each other, but never found compassion in strangers due to the dark pasts they encountered with other near by rogues. Similar ideas are held by a nearby clan and owners of the forest, Wispclan. As the story progresses, trust, lies, hope, shame, apathy and empathy are put to the test as Veraque and her peers must seek the true future they must follow, to survive.
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Author's Note:
A Lesson on Empathy is either my 2nd or 3rd fan-fiction, but it is the 1st I find myself proud of. Lost, Born of Water, Broken by Flood was the first if I recall right, and I had written it a few years ago(I think), Lost remained unfinished, and was simply a mess. After that, if I recall correctly it was Scarlet Shadow's next, which only a chapter or two was made for it, the idea was based on a competition, but the motivation lacked. Though Lost was actually liked on the old forums, I realized that despite the bad writing, people enjoyed the idea of the Fan-Fiction, of betrayal and family. A Lesson on Empathy is my latest fan-fiction, and my first for about a year, and one I finish on completing. The story was originally planned to be about a human girl discovering the importance of empathy on a world much like our own. Though this is a common theme in books, and I wanted to do a fan fiction, so I decided I could keep many of the same elements. An important theme in A Lesson on Empathy is importance of family, blood or bond, as this is one of the many type of empathetic bonds. Another is loyalty, kindness and acceptance of change, as these fit with acquiring Empathy. The story is about Veraque's journey to become a Wispclan cat, and how she must learn to be empathetic yet strong in a world of survival. Be warned though, that isn't all this story is about. It also includes more, not just a lesson. It does include comedy, adventure, and riddles as well!
Navigation
Post 1: Synopsis, Introduction
Post 2: Characters, Fan List
Post 3: Sponsors, Promotions
Post 4: Prologue, Chapters 1-5
Post 5: Chapters 6-10
Post 6: Chapters 11-15
Post 7: Chapters 16-20
Post 8: Chapters 21-25
Post 9: Fan Art, Other Works by Author
Post 10: Reviews, Trivia, FAQs
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Apr 11, 2017 22:25:02 GMT -5
A Lesson on Empathy
A Warriors Fan-Fiction by LynxLeap
Prologue
The darkness cried it's last tears as it left puddles of shade on the motionless forest floor. The approach of the sun in the sky, and the start of dawn. The misty clouds once again appeared as the night turned to day. The forest lay watching the scene with their leafy gaze. But up, upon the stars, where the shattered star dust pelted cats lay, the shadows remained, illuminated by the stars in their souls, and the stars of the shadow forest surrounding them. In the depths, by a shallow pond, lay a small cat with crushed stardust upon her pitch black fur. Her eyes like electric orbs of ice. Watching the pond, which seemed to reflect not the starry landscape, but the light one instead. As she scanned it, she was joined by others, gentle paw steps that echoed upon the stars like ripples upon a pond.
"Life seems well upon the surface." The pitch colored cat answered the an unknown question, her eyes gazing momentarily at her peers, before returning to the pond. A odd interest she had in the living world, but an important one. "They've done well, they all have, but they still have issues they must seek to return to peace." she whispered, her voice like a gentle gale upon a dove's wing as the gentle bird took flight, soft, sweet, but a bitter bite sunk into her words, the meaning of the phrase she said was sinking in to the cats that watched near.
Another lighter silver cat gave a fake smile to the cat whom had spoken before her, but a deep sadness lived among her eyes, along with pride. "How can we worry?" She questioned, and continued on, "We must trust them to protect, Skystar has taught them well." she inquired finally after a sloping silence finally ended, looking down at the pond as well.
The dark cat nodded, and smiled, "Silverfrost is correct, WispClan has faced adversities before, we should trust our spawn to protect the generations. They have, and they will have help, but we cannot be involved in the matter, not yet." she said, leaving a ebbing echo for the forest around them to claim.
A tom responded next, and gave a graceful nod to his companions. "Shadespark you mustn't worry, we shall watch and see what becomes of WispClan's destiny. But I know-" he was cut off by the view of a group of cats in the pond from the landscape of light. The cats trekked across the territory and walked through the tree's shadows, claiming leafs in their grasps.
"Intruders." Warned Shadespark, eyes darting to the pond, silencing the others as their gazes also passed to the pond. The gentle wind turned harsh, and the cats watched, viewing the scenery of the ground, the living world.
"Intruders..."
Notes: Okay so I get it's a short prologue, but the chapters should be longer.
Chapter 1 ~ As the Autumn Leaves Fall
Upon leaf patched tree’s stood the sun setting upon a pastel blue sky. Shadows began looming in the leaves as the moon rose to claim the sky in its clutches. A small illumination remained as shadows passed the pile of leaves laying upon the roots of old oaks and pines. A small rustle began to shake the air, causing the noise to carry into the wind’s grasp.
“Acri, stop being mean to me!” screeched a small snow colored she-cat with paws covered in dirt, her eyes were in a hardened gaze glaring at another kit, a small tom, whom in response kicked sand upon her.
“Hey, mom! Look Ilex and Acri are acting like kits!” snickered another kit, a calico kitten with silver, tan, black and white blotches of fur with sky blue eyes. She made a speedy lunge forward at another tom kit, a tan and black tiger like tom who simply pushed her off and tackled her.
Another kit just sat watching, an amused gleam in her silver eyes, her black fur resembling the night sky, and she had white perched ears and snow like paws, “Celeritas, that’s because we are kits.” she pointed out in a calm voice, and then tackled the snow colored kit, Ilex.
Watching this, a pale colored cat, older than the kittens, a adult, with gentle blue eyes, who had silver paws much like the black kitten did. She gave off a small giggle at the kittens, and looked at a grey and black adult tom who sat beside her, both reflected amused gazes, and she finally spoke up, “Acri, stop being mean to Ilex,” she ordered Ilex and a grey tom, Acri. She then turned to the calico kit, and the tiger like kit, “Celeritas, be nice to Fortis, Fortis be nice to Celeritas!” she commanded. Lastly she turned to the black kit, who tackled Ilex, “Veraque, be good!” she said with a exhausted sigh.
The tom residing beside the pale colored adult smiled, “Lux, they are just hyper,” he pointed out, and waved his tail along the forest floor, sweeping up dust as he did so. “They are kits after all.” he explained, and watched as they kits starting breaking up, settling by their parents with bouncing poses, almost too hyper to even stay still, and crunching leaves as they did so.
“I know Motus, but still, they need to behave before I tickle them into it!” Lux warned with a grin, and grabbed the nearest kit, Acri, by the scruff, and grooming the kit’s dusty fur until it stayed mostly still placed upon his head, during the process he had flattened his ears, frowning deeply.
“Okay, but we really should be-” the tom, Motus was cut off by a deep rustling with in the woods, the noise causing the kits to jump and hide behind their parents, who both let off a warning growl.
Only moments later a small russet colored squirrel with a long white stripe stretching from it’s snout to it’s fluffy tail, took off out of the bushes and into the cat’s path, watching the cats with immediate fear and turning away to run, scurrying down the path.
“I’ll get it!” Fortis cheered, and ran on stumbly legs after it, tripping over a small branch and falling into a roll onto the path of dirt, causing a small cloud of dust to envelope him. His four siblings simply answered with laughs as he flattened his ears, watching to squirrel run off.
“Nice try!” Veraque said, trying to boost her brothers mood, a gentle tang to her voice. Simply trying to be nice to her sibling, but being over ruled by Ilex.
“Nice fail!” Ilex laughed out, and Fortis grinned at his sisters, chasing after Ilex in a full out run.
“Stop, we have to get going to our den, our home, I know I have told you kits about the dangers of the forest, no more going off on your own, we will teach you to hunt when you are ready!” Lux groaned, annoyance now ringing in her tone as she grabbed Fortis by the scruff and began carrying him as she stepped toward and past tall trees, pacing past the shadows.
“Fine.” Fortis murmured, and was set down to walk on his own, and he and his siblings marched behind their mother, and in front of their father. He is the front, Veraque behind him, then Acri, then Ilex, and then finally Celeritas, whom seemed simply annoyed.
“Can we go any quicker?” Celeritas questioned, receiving a dirty look from her father.
“We will remain at our current pace.” instructed Motus sternly, nudging Celeritas with his head. Celeritas in return sighed and did as she was instructed, treading past more leaves and trees.
As the family trekked in a singular line, shadows passed them from the trees above, forms of cats, causing the parents to curl their tails around their kits in protective manners, and the smell of other cats filled their senses.
“Hide!” Lux instructed as she turned, coming face to face with a fox colored cat with sunset orange eyes whom had a recent cut on their cheek.
The kits did as they were told, and hid in a nearby bush, staying silent as they peered back.
All their gazes met where with their parents being ambushed by a group of 5 cats, who then attacked their parents with flashing paws and claws. Every swipe knocking blood from the cat struck, whether it be the attackers or their parents.
Ilex screeched as Lux was swiped by the fox like cat, “Who are you?” the fox like cat demanded to know, raising her paw to swipe at Lux. Motus was then pinned by another brown colored cat pinning him, all eyes though, watched Lux, a beacon of light, and the fox like cat, a fox determined to know the identity of the light. Ilex was met with another shock as she noticed something was missing.
Four kits remained in the bush, the two males, and two of the females in hiding, but the fifth was gone...
The fifth was standing in front of her mother.
Note: This is kind of short, sorry! Anyways, this is the first chapter.
Chapter 2 ~ New Beginnings
“What are you doing kit?” questioned the russet colored cat, her fangs bared at the tang of her harsh tone. Her sunset eyes glared at the black kitten in front of her, who was staring back with furious silver eyes.
“Veraque!” Ilex yelled, looking at Acri, Celeritas, and Fortis, all of which nodded and ran out, surrounding Veraque so that their sister was in the middle, all staring at the russet cat with daring eyes. Watching as the autumn leaves fell around them like heavy drops of rain. The wind even picked up on the intense event, blowing the leaves around as if they were water being swept away by a current.
“Just get them out of the way Sunspot!” yelled the brown colored tom, almost blending in with the dirt surrounding him, and the dust cloud that rolled up as he forced Motus back to the ground as the adult tried to attempt to get up.
A grey tabby with grey eyes glared at the tom, “No Duskcloud they are kits, we can’t hurt kits!”, the grey she-cat insisted, and looked at Sunspot to see what the fellow attacker would do.
A black and white spotted tom spoke next, “Greydust is correct Duskcloud, Sunspot mustn't hurt the kits, they are not the enemy we suspected them to be!” he corrected, and looked pleadingly at Sunspot.
“And she won’t!” ordered the last cat, a white and silver she-cat with ice blue eyes, her voice like commanding thunder, ordering the downfall of rain.
“As you command, Skystar.” whispered Sunspot, backing up, and dipping her head to the last cat who spoke. The other attackers did as well, releasing Lux and Motus from their grasps.
“We will give them medical help, we should be more careful in picking our enemies. They have kits, and kits are the future, if we kill the parents, we kill the future.” Skystar explained to her peers, and looked at the kits, whom were shaking from fear, their gazes a mix of confusion, surprise, anger, and fear. “You kits are very brave, that’s something WispClan admires,” she pointed out, and offered a smile, “We apologize for hurting your parents, and in return, we will offer them help.” she offered.
“Why should we trust you, you just attacked us!” Lux responded, and lunged at Skystar, who in return dodged. “Get away from my kits!” she ordered, her claws swiping at Skystar, and after catching Skystar’s cheek, stunning the cat, Lux pinned her to the dusty forest floor, raising her paw for the kill. Eyes full of a blazing hate for the stranger, yet hesitant. The clan cats watched, stunned as well, but quickly got ready for attack, only stopping upon a voice breaking above the chaos.
“Mom, Stop!” Veraque ordered, stepping forward with large wide eyes. Her siblings also walked up, following her, and their mother curled her paw back, looking at her kits. “They are offering help, and they said they had the wrong enemy!” Veraque squeaked out innocently, her tiny paws leaving tiny tracks as she curled by her mother, who decided to comfort her kit by cleaning her small kit gently.
“What enemy then?” questioned Motus, looking at Sunspot and Skystar for an answer. His eyes threatening them to answer wisely, and truthfully. The sun reflected in his eyes as well, making them reflect his desire for honesty.
“A group of rogues whom have been frequently attacking us, I still don’t know why your kits allow you to even be trusted though,” Sunspot clarified with a dangerous glare. “Rogue!” she ended, putting a strong bite into her word as she turned to her leader, glaring back at Motus.
“The fact that living kits are even with them Sunspot!” said the black and white tom again at last, his words a depressing sound. “The rogues would kill of any weaklings, and you know that!” He expressed, his tone becoming more firm. Yet only faded as Skystar addressed him.
“We must be going, we don’t have time for small talk Cloudpaw!” Skystar informed the tom, and waved her tail, “We must be going, we do not want to be ambushed by the rogues, remember how Treetail became blind?” she questioned, flattening her ears in a soft growl as she stalked off, leading the patrol with her. Her cheek traced by claw marks and fresh blood.
“It will be safest to follow them,” Motus concluded, leading his kits to follow him, and the clan cats in which he himself followed.
“But-!” Lux retorted, staying afar from the clan cats, a snarl still plastered on her face, but her gaze was drawn aback as Ilex interrupted her.
“It’s for the best mom…” Ilex said, looking at her mom pleadingly, who nodded and followed her kits.
The clan cats, Skystar, Duskcloud, Sunspot, Greydust and Cloudpaw, and the rogues, Motus, Lux, Acri, Ilex, Celeritas, Veraque, and Fortis all followed an unknown trail of destiny.
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Upon the dusty floors, the paw steps of the patrol returned to the camp of their clan. Yet when many clan cats spotted the rogues, they were stunned, and even angry. A new chaos was raiding the area, and it left the kits trembling in fear. Their fur bristled from the commotion, the angry and hateful glares. Yet when a cat with tabby orange fur came up and hissed at them, Skystar was the one to respond.
“Silence!” Skystar ordered as she climbed gracefully up a large grey boulder, standing atop and addressing the clan bellow, “Members of WispClan, I ask you grant hospitality to these rogues, they offer potential and bravery. A failure to do this act will end in your punishment, taking care of the elders!” She commanded, but snickered as many cat’s grimaced.
“But they are more mouths to feed!” The tabby orange tom noted aloud, his argument sending others into agreement, while many just glared.
“Your an extra mouth to feed!” Retorted a calico and young she-cat with a small frame and size, her fur reflecting hues of black, white, grey and yellow. Her eyes were a mysterious pastel green, and she spat her last words towards the response with a grin, “Fireflight!”.
“Says a useless medicine cat appre-” Fireflight stopped, seeing an older tom with greying fur from his grey tabby pelt glare at him. “Not what I mean Shiverstep!” He quickly explained, and glared at the calico, “What I mean is that Pastelpaw has no right about saying anything about me being useless, I hunt and fight while she trains to be a medicine cat and sits as your shadow!” he suggested, and frowned as he looked back up at Skystar.
Skystar’s emotions showed clear annoyance, and she growled at Fireflight, sending the tom to hush and glare at her. “Meet Ilex, Veraque, Acri, Celeritas, Fortis, Motus and Lux!” she introcued the cats, looking at them with a gentle and respectful nod.
Yet Fireflight let off a laugh, “They have kitty-pet names!” he guessed, sending Skystar into annoyance once more.
Sunspot followed close in suit, “My brother has a point!” she agreed, and noticed glaring from other cats, she stopped laughing rather quickly.
“Actually, our names mean Holly for Ilex, Speed for Celeritas, Strong for Fortis, Sharp for Acri, Light for Lux, Motion or Emotion for Motus, and Empathy for Veraque!” Veraque stated, her eyes filled with annoyance. She may have been a kit, but she was annoyed by these full grown cats. How they mocked her family and herself.
Skystar proceeded, “Sunspot, Fireflight, stop. Now!” She ordered, and both went quite, leaving her to turn to Shiverstep, “Can you take care of their mother, Lux and their father Motus, I’ll see if Wrenwhisper can watch the kits,” she said, and hopped off the rock, leading the small kitten to a leaf sewn den, and peaked inside. “This is the nursery, were your parents are going is called the Medicine Cat Den, see?” she said, pointing her tail to the den next to theirs. She turned around, spotting a black and white she-cat with 2 mewing kits at her belly, one a plain white with black paws, the other a plain black with white paws. “Wrenwhisper, can you looks after these kits until their mother is healed?” she questioned.
Wrenwhisper looked up from her own kits, and smiled some. “Yes Skystar, they are all very adorable!” she noted, and smiled. “I’m Wrenwhisper, would you like to meet my kits?” she asked the rogue kittens, her voice was soft so she would not scare them off.
Fortis shook his head opposing the idea, but was outvoted by his siblings and quickly scurried over.
“This is Ebonykit, and that is Ivorykit,” she said, pointing her tail first to the black kitten, then to the white kitten, saying their names respectively as she did so.
“Hello!” Ebonykit squeaked, her dark blue eyes watched the rogue kits whom were a few moons older than Ebonykit and Ivorykit.
“Hello-” Ilex had begun to respond, but was stopped, interrupted by a sound.
“Help!”
NOTE: I decided to come back to writing this, enjoy! Chapter 3 ~ Fading Echoes
“Help! Please-” Yelled a masculine voice, hovering as a echo into Veraque’s ears. “Help-!” the voice cried, yet stopped abruptly. Into the air the voice echoed, shrieked with horror and fear, and the kit’s fur quickly spiked up.
Off in the distance, Veraque heard Skystar holler for a patrol, and she quickly turned to Wrenwhisper, the queen had a horrified look on her face. “What’s wrong?” Veraque asked, watching as tears welled up in Wrenwhisper’s eyes.
“My mate...that sounded like Forestcall” Wrenwhisper trailed off, and stared at her kits, her fur bristled, and her eyes reflective with the touch of tears.
Veraque felt a sad emotion crawling within her, and thought of what could possibly hurt a cat, a fox, a dog, a badger, humans, or rogues. Though she recalled the information Skystar had told them, about the rogues who attacked them.
“The rogues would kill of any weaklings, and you know that!” She heard the voice of Cloudpaw say in her memory, and felt a horrible feeling within her body, and her mind. She couldn’t find words to speak out, no, only wishes she could comfort Wrenwhisper, but Veraque was not able to, because she didn’t want to intervene, nor be wrong about her hopes.
Though another memory shook within her body, and Veraque found herself living within it, “We need to stay away from other cats, you know how dangerous they are, after they killed Aqua…”, the voice of her father whispered, “They will kill anything.” he confirmed, his voice dark.
Aqua, Veraque remembered her aunt, her father’s sister with silver-blue fur and darker spots, she met her once, and the she-cat had dazzling blue eyes. Aqua was killed just moons ago, and ever since their parents had been skittish of other cats.
“Hey! Veraque, are you alright?” Asked a voice, and Veraque found herself looking into light green eyes, a familiar voice.
“Yes Ilex, I’m alright, let’s go though.” Veraque whispered to her light colored sister, her voice quite like a gentle dove taking flight into the gentle breeze.
“To do what, and where?” Ilex questioned, her eyes tried to show confidence and sternness, but instead reflected excitement.
“Find out what that noise was!” Veraque whispered, and walked to the edge of the den.
“That’s dangerous…” Ilex warned doubtfully, her eyes reflecting worry as she spoke.
Veraque had to agree, but her curiosity beat her to at least check it out, “But danger only causes chaos, bravery causes hope,” Veraque persuaded.
Ilex reluctantly nodded, and followed Veraque as her sister led them out of the den and towards the exit of the camp. Yet they stopped as a shadow hovered of their figures, and they both quickly turned.
“Where are you going?” Questioned a plain black she-cat with emerald eyes, her eyes gazing down at the two kits.
Her fur was rather long, but the cat looked rather young. She impatiently waited for an answer, her eyes stern and almost accusing.
“We are-” Veraque began, her voice shaking, but she was cut silent as another voice started.
“We are playing tag! Wanna hop in?” Ilex lied, and questioned, her eyes dazzled with excitement, and the she-cat grinned.
“No I am quite fine, I have some duties to perform, just run along and stay out of other cats fur. Just so you know for future reference, my name’s Ravensky,” she said, and heard a voice behind her, and scampered off. Veraque had recognized the name as being the deputy’s, as Skystar had mentioned it on the way to the Clan after finding the rogue family.
Veraque turned to her sister, and nodded, both quickly scampering out of camp, yet all they spotted where pawsteps of the patrol Skystar had left with. “We should follow these, they will lead us to what happened.” she concluded, and along with Ilex began to follow the pawsteps.
Veraque was lost within her thoughts, the walk was a silence for only moments, but it seemed like longer as doubt clouded her head. She was only shaken from these thoughts by Ilex talking to her.
“Wait...Veraque is that blood?” Ilex questioned as she looked at a scarlet liquid reflecting in the sun and setting upon the dust.
“Yes it is…” Veraque confirmed with a gulp. She did not like to admit it, but she was becoming afraid. Her curiosity drove her sister and herself out of the safety of the camp.
“I really am regretting this!” Ilex said, mimicking Veraque's thoughts, and walked closer to and with her sister, both followed the trail of blood, and stopped, something was catching their attention.
Sounds, growls and cries of anger, and yowls of pain. All was nearby, and quickly the two sisters ran toward it. Upon entering the clearing they saw cats in combat. Skystar was pinned by a rogue with tan and brown fur. Fireflight was fighting with a tan tabby she-cat, and another silver colored tom was also pinned by a rogue.
Then a snap, a quick and simple snap and their gazes fell on a white tom with black paws and icy teal eyes, seemingly related to Ebonykit and Ivorykit, it must have been Forestcall. Yet something was wrong with him, other than multiple bloody claw marks and scratches across his flank. His front left leg was broken in multiple places; the snap, and a scarlet-orange she-cat that resembled a fox stood above him, her orange eyes reflected amusement as she unsheathed her sharp claws, and pressed them to his neck.
Veraque noticed something was gone, something that was supposed to be by her, and Ilex took off towards the she-cat hovering above the tom. Yet Ilex wasn’t silent enough, and as soon as Ilex was within the she-cats sight, the she-cat swatted her sister aside, the rogue’s superior strength allowing her to do so. Ilex landed within a cloud of dust and lay momentarily limp.
Even seeing this, fueled with anger Veraque took off towards the she-cat.
Skystar turned her gaze, hearing the commotion and drew her breath with stun as she watched as Veraque bounded quickly over the blood covered dust, and the she-cat once again swatted at a kit, this time Veraque.
Veraque quickly dodged the first blow, and tried to claw at the older and stronger cat, yet her claws were not very sharp, and she felt something slice across her chest, very close to her throat. She looked down, spotting blood oozing down her dark colored fur, staining it a dark red, and the pain was delayed, hitting her quickly and causing her to whimper out.
“Oh, poor little kit…” The cat mocked, giving a fake sympathetic look as she pawed at the blood on Veraque’s chest, and pressing that paw into the ground, leaving the pawprint of blood there.
She then glared at the kit, amusement lightened in her eyes, an unknown hate hidden.
“Don’t you dare call me 'poor little kit',” Veraque spat angrily, and looked to the side, spotting Ilex struggling to get up. A relief rushed within her bones, yet she was snapped from the happiness quickly.
“Don’t tell me what to do,” the crimson she-cat ordered with a snicker, and raised her paw into the air, her claws glimmering in the sun, soaked in blood. She was ready to perform a deadly blow to the kit, and on her face was a grin with blood stained fangs.
Skystar charged towards the rogue, but Veraque had a feeling she would not get their in time, despite this Veraque let out a loud yell for help, but she knew it wasn’t coming. But she knew why...
Because as the sun was blocked by the shadow of a paw, it came closer, and she felt her ear move with the movement, and pain erupted from beside her right ear. Blood was sprinkled onto the floor near her, yet the pain was immense. Though it was short lived, because her gaze slowly faded to black…
NOTE: Well, this turned rather quickly...:3 Chapter 4 - To Start Anew
"What happened?" A voice demanded through the dark, anguish and grief in the voice. Ripples of pain flooded Veraque's head, yet she found herself unable to argue against the darkness, her energy drained by a leach of pain.
"She was attacked! We don't know how she got there, nor how Ilex did, but at least she's alive!" A young voice exclaimed, her voice panicked, and Veraque noticed a small pressure and movement around her head.
What Happened? Veraque wondered, and with a draw of breath, she forced her eyes opening. She immediately closed them, the light to harsh to handle, yet blinked rapidly to ease the pain from the light. Her eyes met the exit of the den, and the sun as setting beyond the horizon. She heard a gasp of relief and turned her neck, yelping in pain as she did so, but being comforted by many gentle gazes.
"What Happened?" She croaked out, letting off a cough from the dust she had inhaled. Though she spotted her mother, her father and all of her siblings, though Ilex had a few scratches. Yet she spotted the large figure of Skystar in front of her with a rather unbelieving glance.
"You don't remember?" Skystar questioned in disbelief, but as if a signal, the memories poured back into Veraque's head.
"I-I remember..." Veraque stuttered out, but narrowed her silver eyes. "What happened to me?" she asked, shaking a bit, she feared answers, but she doubted they could occur.
"You were hit in the head, and scratched pretty good, you ended up passing out because of how she hit you," Skystar explained rather gently. Her eyes a gentle mother-like look.
"Who is she?" Veraque questioned, but only received a still silence instead.
But the silence ended, and Shiverstep spoke up, "Her name is-" the tom began, but was cut short by Skystar, whom rapidly changed the subject.
"It doesn't matter, we don't need to know our enemies," Skystar assured, and continued on, "Now, Veraque, why did you sneak out of camp?" she questioned sternly, in which Veraque received many glaring looks for.
"I-I..." Veraque began, but luckily Wrenwhisper cut in for her.
"It was my fault Skystar," Wrenwhisper admitted guiltily, but proceeded, "I heard Forestcall's plea and bcame worried and freaked out, while Celeritas, Fortis, Acri, Ebonykit and Ivorykit comforted me, Veraque and Ilex left without my knowing..." she said, and looked at Lux and Morus, her voice full of regret, "I'm so sorry!" she said, and was returned with looks of sympathy.
"I understand completely," Lux confirmed, and gave Veraque a glare, "Why did you go after them Skystar was handling it!" she boomed, anger growing in her voice, but worry as well.
"Unlike some cats I don't sit around and let other be hurt, if it wasn't for me Forestcall could have died!" Veraque spat, causing some cats to watch in interest.
"That's actually probably true..." Ilex admitted, smiling at her sister and sighing, "Plus, I'm the one that lied to Ravensky..." she said guiltily, but Skystar only smiled in response.
"Why does it matter who is at fault, the kits did not know our clan rules, kits do no leave camp. But, might I ask, how old are your kits?" Skystar asked, turning to Lux and Motus with a curious dazzle to her eyes.
"5 and a half moons, why?" Motus answered hesitantly, returning a question to the leader.
"They could train as apprentices in Wispclan, it will offer them a chance to protect, and be protected. They have already proven their loyalty, and we will allow you both to train as warriors as well..." Skystar offered, waiting patiently as the two mates talked the option over.
"Our kits almost died!" Motus pointed out, his eyes narrowed,.
"But they saved them, and we will be safer here, the kits like it too! Come on Motus, we should be starting anew anyways!" Lux persuaded, watching her mate with unwavering eyes, "I didn't want to come here, but...maybe we should stay..." she said.
Motus looked at each of the kits, whom nodded in agreement to their mother, and finally rested his gaze on Veraque.
"Dad, I want to stay..." Veraque muttered out through the pain, and sighed.
"Very well, yes, we will join your clan," Motus confirmed, and licked Veraque's cheek gently. After the desision had been reached, the cats had exited the den, all except Shiverfur and Pastelpaw, who lived in the Medicine Cat Den as it was. But as she watched the sky turn from dark to light, she too a deep breath.
"Time to start anew..." Veraque whispered, and closed her eyes, letting the new falling darkness wash over her. The sun had fallen, and the moon had risen. Just like that, like the day, Veraque's life had changed a phase.
With some hope in her heart, she let the shadows carry her to sleep.
Wow! The story has made a big jump now! Next time you see our protagonist some things are going to have changed. Chapter 5
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My reading list is the size of a large mountain, but sure. I'll bookmark it.
What are you interested in? A good fiction that a lot of forumers like is '