|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 11:44:54 GMT -5
“I’m holding up as well as I can be.” Redspring nodded. “I refuse to let the Dark Forest fool me. Spiderbite’s got it right, there’s no way Starclan would suddenly start punishing us when they could have done that the second my brother broke the code, if that was the case.” She decided firmly. “I’ll be dead and gone before I ever let them think I’d fall for their despair. Hah!”
Poppyclaw nodded once at Skyflight, glancing at the other Senior Warriors. “There’s more of you than there are of Spiritstar. We will have to make her listen. I imagine the choice is an easy one, you or Pheasentcry, Sparrowstrike, Splashecho, Shadespots, there’s plenty to choose from even if temporary.” He listed logically, knowing he couldn’t let the Clan’s mourning cloud all their judgement.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 11:47:32 GMT -5
Quickwing hurried into the water, shivering as the cool water covered his paws and splashed her legs. She moved to help grab Spiritstar’s body, yanking hard and pulling the leader up onto the shore. She panted lightly, pressing her ear to her chest. “She’s not breathing.” She spoke softly. “But hopefully she’ll come back in a minute.” Plumwillow gasped as she placed Spiritstar down, trying to press water out of her lungs with her paws to no avail. Even as water streamed out her muzzle, Spiritstar made no movement. Plumwillow shakily backed up, waiting for Spiritstar to wake up. She waited. And waited… and waited… and- “She’s not waking up.” Plumwillow decided with a numbness to her voice. Her eyes welled up, and she hated herself for her weakness. “Quickwing. That was the last one. That’s it! That’s all, she’s gone!” She sobbed.
|
|
|
Post by Foxstar26 on May 13, 2024 17:50:19 GMT -5
Quickwing almost forgot to breathe when Plumwillow spoke. “No no… she can’t be.” Her voice cracked but deep down she knew Plumwillow was right. She had been there before when a leader lost a life. It didn’t take this long to come back. She moved to nose their leader briefly and just felt cold. “We need to get her back to camp.” She murmured.
|
|
|
Post by ✦⚝Stormscar⚝✦ on May 13, 2024 18:11:14 GMT -5
She nodded, "Alright," Viperpaw replied simply, "Let's head there then, how many moons are you again? I'm 8," She glanced around the forest as Sunnypaw led the way, "Could you also explain a bit more of the clans? I understand there is ranks, kit apprentice warrior leader and elders, I also know theres a ThunderClan SkyClan and StarClan, but StarClan doesn't seem to be as agresivly talked about as the others, maybe even a diffrent name for SkyClan or something?" she shugged, "If you could basicly sum it up for me that'd be great so I understand the basics, my- my mother knew of the Clans and told me a bit about it," Her voice was hushed, just incase there was prey around or a patrol.
(I'm not compleatly sure how the map works for SkyClan but maybe as QuickWing and PlumWillow come back they could meet up with Sunnypaw and Viperpaw? I don't know just a random suggestion, again I'm not compleatly sure how the skyclan map works)
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 13, 2024 18:27:25 GMT -5
Spiderbite let out a long sigh, but his fur still prickled. So, other cats were noticing it too? How Spiritstar seemed to have done a complete 180 from ye kind and gentle leader they knew her as. "I will speak with her when she returns." Spiderbite pulled the herbs to himself to indicate to Basilpaw he was ready to go back to Silvercloud's body. "we'll figure this out. There has to an explanation behind her behavior. There always is. Right now, Spiritstar is grieving. Lavendersky always said that cats who grieve need our support more then the cats we've lost. I'm sure StarClan will prove themselves to her and we'll be on the right path again." He picked up his herbs and looked at Basilpaw. "We'll be alright," he mewed through the herbs. "I'm sure of it." Feeling a bit more secure at Spiderbite’s assurance, Basilpaw found his fears beginning to wane. He quickly offered. “I can help you bring the herbs over. Uhm… thank you, Spiderbite. For what it’s worth, I trust you more than anyone when it comes to what Starclan wants. So if you say it’s true, then it’s got to be.” He shook the fears from his mind, feeling better than before. Spiderbite blinked at Basilpaw's words. He found it hard to believe. His snappy attitude and Basilpaw still trusted him when it came to StarClan? He was relieved by that. Even if he only offered assurance to one clanmate, he was doing his job as a medicine cat. He nodded to the apprentice and motioned to another pile of herbs for Basilpaw to carry. Not wanting to spoil the moment by saying the wrong thing, Spiderbite waited for the apprentice before heading out of the den to return to Silvercloud's body.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 19:22:58 GMT -5
Quickwing almost forgot to breathe when Plumwillow spoke. “No no… she can’t be.” Her voice cracked but deep down she knew Plumwillow was right. She had been there before when a leader lost a life. It didn’t take this long to come back. She moved to nose their leader briefly and just felt cold. “We need to get her back to camp.” She murmured. “Oh, Spiritstar…” Plumwillow mourned miserably. “What are we going to do without her? W-we don’t have Whitesun in camp either, we-…” She sniffed. “Spiritstar’s the only leader I’ve ever known, the Camp’s going to panic!” She shook her misery away, trying not to think of seeing Warblerwind attack, and never come back up from the water. She steeled herself, shaking as she grabbed hold of Spiritstar’s scruff alongside Quickwing.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 19:26:58 GMT -5
She nodded, "Alright," Viperpaw replied simply, "Let's head there then, how many moons are you again? I'm 8," She glanced around the forest as Sunnypaw led the way, "Could you also explain a bit more of the clans? I understand there is ranks, kit apprentice warrior leader and elders, I also know theres a ThunderClan SkyClan and StarClan, but StarClan doesn't seem to be as agresivly talked about as the others, maybe even a diffrent name for SkyClan or something?" she shugged, "If you could basicly sum it up for me that'd be great so I understand the basics, my- my mother knew of the Clans and told me a bit about it," Her voice was hushed, just incase there was prey around or a patrol. (I'm not compleatly sure how the map works for SkyClan but maybe as QuickWing and PlumWillow come back they could meet up with Sunnypaw and Viperpaw? I don't know just a random suggestion, again I'm not compleatly sure how the skyclan map works) (They’re likely near camp, so they can see Quick and Plum pulling Spiritstar back into camp and maybe hide so they aren’t caught, or would you prefer they go into camp with Quick and Plum?) “Well. There’s those Clans, plus Riverclan, Shadowclan and Windclan. Riverclan swims, Shadowclan stalks at night, and Windclan runs real fast after rabbits! Starclan is where our ancestors are, and where we go when we die, if we believe in them.” Sunnypaw explained simply. “We live by the Warrior Code, which is a bunch of rules that make us who we are, like we can only eat after Queens and kits are fed, and Warriors do not kill other Warriors unless there’s no other choice.” She mewed as they padded towards the maple trees.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 19:28:43 GMT -5
Feeling a bit more secure at Spiderbite’s assurance, Basilpaw found his fears beginning to wane. He quickly offered. “I can help you bring the herbs over. Uhm… thank you, Spiderbite. For what it’s worth, I trust you more than anyone when it comes to what Starclan wants. So if you say it’s true, then it’s got to be.” He shook the fears from his mind, feeling better than before. Spiderbite blinked at Basilpaw's words. He found it hard to believe. His snappy attitude and Basilpaw still trusted him when it came to StarClan? He was relieved by that. Even if he only offered assurance to one clanmate, he was doing his job as a medicine cat. He nodded to the apprentice and motioned to another pile of herbs for Basilpaw to carry. Not wanting to spoil the moment by saying the wrong thing, Spiderbite waited for the apprentice before heading out of the den to return to Silvercloud's body. Basilpaw grabbed the herbs, quickly padding after Spiderbite as he watched the Clan gather around Silvercloud’s body. He eyed the Senior Warrior with sadness, knowing he would miss her steadfast nature and wisdom. He placed the herbs down before Spiderbite, sitting back sadly.
|
|
|
Post by Foxstar26 on May 13, 2024 19:31:24 GMT -5
“Spiderbite will know what to do.” Quickwing said, trying to sound confident. Her voice cracked at the end. She moved to help pick up Spiritstar and start the trek back to camp.
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 13, 2024 19:42:19 GMT -5
Spiderbite studied everyone's face as he walked to Silvercloud's body. He wasn't sure what to say, and he didn't want to push too much at any of their doubts either in fear of saying too much. He set the herbs down and decided to just work on preparing Silvercloud's body for the vigil. This was his least favorite task of all his duties as a medicine cat. Spiderbite pinned his ears back as he eyed her injuries. He knew he could've saved her if he'd been there.
|
|
|
Post by Willow on May 13, 2024 19:45:21 GMT -5
Skyflight's eyes widened at the suggestion that she could be the choice Spiritstar made, "Oh! I don't think I would make a very good deputy. Sparrowstrike maybe or Pheasantcry. They would do much better jobs."
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 19:46:36 GMT -5
“Spiderbite will know what to do.” Quickwing said, trying to sound confident. Her voice cracked at the end. She moved to help pick up Spiritstar and start the trek back to camp. Plumwillow could only shakingly nod. She knew Spiderbite, knew her friend would be the one to see sense amongst all this chaos. Skyclan’s leader was dead, all nine lives gone. Spiderbite must have had some kind of sign, something! She readied herself for the absolute storm that would crash into her and Quickwing as soon as they got Spiritstar to camp. And Slateheart, oh Starclan, poor Slateheart. What could she possibly tell him, after Spiritstar’s last words had been so angry to him, and his son was likely dead too?
|
|
|
Post by ✦⚝Stormscar⚝✦ on May 13, 2024 19:49:51 GMT -5
She nodded, "Alright," Viperpaw replied simply, "Let's head there then, how many moons are you again? I'm 8," She glanced around the forest as Sunnypaw led the way, "Could you also explain a bit more of the clans? I understand there is ranks, kit apprentice warrior leader and elders, I also know theres a ThunderClan SkyClan and StarClan, but StarClan doesn't seem to be as agresivly talked about as the others, maybe even a diffrent name for SkyClan or something?" she shugged, "If you could basicly sum it up for me that'd be great so I understand the basics, my- my mother knew of the Clans and told me a bit about it," Her voice was hushed, just incase there was prey around or a patrol. (I'm not compleatly sure how the map works for SkyClan but maybe as QuickWing and PlumWillow come back they could meet up with Sunnypaw and Viperpaw? I don't know just a random suggestion, again I'm not compleatly sure how the skyclan map works) (They’re likely near camp, so they can see Quick and Plum pulling Spiritstar back into camp and maybe hide so they aren’t caught, or would you prefer they go into camp with Quick and Plum?) “Well. There’s those Clans, plus Riverclan, Shadowclan and Windclan. Riverclan swims, Shadowclan stalks at night, and Windclan runs real fast after rabbits! Starclan is where our ancestors are, and where we go when we die, if we believe in them.” Sunnypaw explained simply. “We live by the Warrior Code, which is a bunch of rules that make us who we are, like we can only eat after Queens and kits are fed, and Warriors do not kill other Warriors unless there’s no other choice.” She mewed as they padded towards the maple trees. (they could follow them in perhaps, sneak back in at the drama lol, poor poor Viperpaw is probally wondering if the clans are always like this) "Thats a bit odd, I understand the queens but don't the warriors need to be strong? They are the ones who protect and feed the clan after all," Viperpaw's head tilted, she pondered this but was interupted by nearby ruselling, her ears pricked and she stared through the forest, two cats were heading toword the camp- with- was that SpiritStar? Oh no, my little plan to join the clans just got a lot more dramatic didn't it?
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 13, 2024 20:02:55 GMT -5
(They’re likely near camp, so they can see Quick and Plum pulling Spiritstar back into camp and maybe hide so they aren’t caught, or would you prefer they go into camp with Quick and Plum?) “Well. There’s those Clans, plus Riverclan, Shadowclan and Windclan. Riverclan swims, Shadowclan stalks at night, and Windclan runs real fast after rabbits! Starclan is where our ancestors are, and where we go when we die, if we believe in them.” Sunnypaw explained simply. “We live by the Warrior Code, which is a bunch of rules that make us who we are, like we can only eat after Queens and kits are fed, and Warriors do not kill other Warriors unless there’s no other choice.” She mewed as they padded towards the maple trees. (they could follow them in perhaps, sneak back in at the drama lol, poor poor Viperpaw is probally wondering if the clans are always like this) "Thats a bit odd, I understand the queens but don't the warriors need to be strong? They are the ones who protect and feed the clan after all," Viperpaw's head tilted, she pondered this but was interupted by nearby ruselling, her ears pricked and she stared through the forest, two cats were heading toword the camp- with- was that SpiritStar? Oh no, my little plan to join the clans just got a lot more dramatic didn't it?Sunnypaw was about to respond to Viperpaw, though she quickly gasped and ducked behind a tree, only to stare out with wide eyes and whisper with panic. “Was that Spiritstar?! W-what happened?! S-she looks… she looks dead!” She whimpered.
|
|
|
Post by dewbranch on May 13, 2024 20:12:24 GMT -5
Clovertail narrowed her eyes, Adderclan again. It seemed to be popping up everywhere, but what that meant she didn’t know. “Well I’ll stay true to them, they are always there, even if we can’t feel them. I don’t think they guide us, more like look over us, and try to tell us about the worst so that we are prepared” Clovertail wasn’t sure if that made much sense, but no matter. “What do you think of the dark forest? I hear it’s gaining activity again, could that mean anything?” This was a worrying thought, a thought that she had pushed to the back of her head many times. But, no cat better to ask then a warrior who had survived Adderclan when it had been at large. “The Dark Forest is obsessed with making us suffer. Their anger and envy make them weak and cowardly.” Cloudberry decided sharply, surprisingly aggressive for the soft she-cat. She shook her head. “I fought and killed cats that reside there now to get back Skyclan. If they try it again, I’ll just do it again.” Cloudberry's aggressive tone shocked Clovertail for a moment, but she quickly recover. Of course any cat would be sharp, if not boiling on the inside! "I will as well" She vowed, glancing up at the stars. "I will until my last breath" Wouldn't anycat? Would some cats really join the dark forest? Who? "Did living cats really join the Dark Forest? Why?"
|
|
|
Post by Foxstar26 on May 13, 2024 20:29:01 GMT -5
Quickwing tried to steel herself as she maneuvered Spiritstar back to camp. What was going to happen now? They had no leader or deputy. Was Spiritstar right? Had starclan truly turned their backs? No. She couldn’t think about that. She had to be strong for her clan.
|
|
|
Post by Icefire15 on May 13, 2024 20:32:54 GMT -5
Mudwasp looked at Echowing thoughtfully, wondering just how freeing it would be to break away from StarClan and their beliefs. "What does it feel like? To be free from StarClan's rule?" He asked, curious to know exactly what Echowing felt on the subject. "We can't let whatever is going on here break us down, okay?" Frostlight murmured to him, giving his cheek a lick. It made her heart ache when she saw Withermist like this, and she wanted to do anything she could to make her mate feel better. "We have to be stronger than them and not give them the chance to hurt us." Hawkpaw gave a small nod, glad that Emberpaw wasn't upset with her. "I... I don't want to lose you, or our parents." She mewed, sighing sadly. "I just wish I was able to be with them and help them. Instead I was off hunting while they were being attacked." "StarClan can't be the one that's causing all of this. I just don't believe that they would." Kestrelfrost said, nodding in agreement with her. He looked over at where Mudwasp and Echowing had gone, giving a weary flick of his ear, "I don't like how it seems to be tearing our Clan apart. There has to be something that we can do to help keep the Dark Forest at bay." He murmured. “I don’t feel guilty about things I can’t control anymore. I don’t need a code of rules to hunt for the Queens and Kits, or fight for my Clan, or get the respect I deserve.” Echowing explained, lifting her chin. “I tried it Starclan’s way, and clearly it wasn’t good enough.” “I wish I could do more… I’m supposed to be different. I thought I could help with this… realization about myself.” Withermist murmured, before he swallowed. “All I can do is feel it, and I feel so much anger. Vengeance. Not from me, but… them.” He admitted. “I wish I was normal. Like you.” “You won’t lose me.” Emberpaw decided firmly, eyes blazing with determination. “I’ll be stronger than ever, and I’ll make sure the both of us are safe. Starclan may have given up on us, but I never will.” She muttered the last part, stubborn now to go through with Goldfire’s offer to train her. “It’s not your fault, Hawkpaw.” “You can’t force a cat to change.” Dreamlily muttered softly, her eyes both bitter and pained, before she looked at Kestrelfrost. “But I can surround myself with good cats who act with kindness, and not bitterness. Cats like you, with good hearts.” She admitted. “That’s the Skyclan I know and love, brave yet kind.” Mudwasp blinked at her in interest, finding that her way of doing things instead of StarClan's way sounded quite intriguing. "But if we turn away from StarClan, what happens to us? Do we automatically end up in the Dark Forest?" He asked. Mudwasp might like the idea of abandoning his faith in StarClan, but that didn't mean he liked the idea of ending up in the Dark Forest when he finally passed on. Frostlight started to groom Withermist's fur comfortingly, trying her best to calm him down. "You're already doing everything you can. You've only just discovered all of this, Withermist. You're still learning what it all means and why you are the way you are." She soothed, looking at him firmly. "Normal is overrated, you know? I like you the way you are, and I don't want you to change. I truly believe to be someone who is good, no matter what your origin is." Hawkpaw sighed and pressed against Emberpaw firmly, taking in the comfort that her sister's presence had to offer. "We'll find a way to get them back. There has to be a reason why those rogues took them alive instead of just killing them, I don't believe that they're dead." She mewed, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. Kestrelfrost gave her a smile, glad that she saw him as someone who was kind and had a good heart. "We'll be okay, I just know it." He said, giving her a small nudge and nodding towards Frostlight and Withermist. "You're already surrounded by good cats. The ones who aren't will soon enough cut themselves away from us." Kestrelfrost added, referring to Dreamlily's long friendship with Frostlight.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 9:37:30 GMT -5
“The Dark Forest is obsessed with making us suffer. Their anger and envy make them weak and cowardly.” Cloudberry decided sharply, surprisingly aggressive for the soft she-cat. She shook her head. “I fought and killed cats that reside there now to get back Skyclan. If they try it again, I’ll just do it again.” Cloudberry's aggressive tone shocked Clovertail for a moment, but she quickly recover. Of course any cat would be sharp, if not boiling on the inside! "I will as well" She vowed, glancing up at the stars. "I will until my last breath" Wouldn't anycat? Would some cats really join the dark forest? Who? "Did living cats really join the Dark Forest? Why?" “They did. Either too hungry for power or too vulnerable and young to realize they were fighting for all the wrong reasons.” Cloudberry admitted solemnly, thinking of the cats in the Clan that supported Robinstar and Adderstar without hesitation. She thought of Leafshade and her sons, the toms dying in the battle with Thunderclan, influenced by their mother’s thirst for power and loyalty to Robinstar. She shook her head with shame.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 9:46:07 GMT -5
“I don’t feel guilty about things I can’t control anymore. I don’t need a code of rules to hunt for the Queens and Kits, or fight for my Clan, or get the respect I deserve.” Echowing explained, lifting her chin. “I tried it Starclan’s way, and clearly it wasn’t good enough.” “I wish I could do more… I’m supposed to be different. I thought I could help with this… realization about myself.” Withermist murmured, before he swallowed. “All I can do is feel it, and I feel so much anger. Vengeance. Not from me, but… them.” He admitted. “I wish I was normal. Like you.” “You won’t lose me.” Emberpaw decided firmly, eyes blazing with determination. “I’ll be stronger than ever, and I’ll make sure the both of us are safe. Starclan may have given up on us, but I never will.” She muttered the last part, stubborn now to go through with Goldfire’s offer to train her. “It’s not your fault, Hawkpaw.” “You can’t force a cat to change.” Dreamlily muttered softly, her eyes both bitter and pained, before she looked at Kestrelfrost. “But I can surround myself with good cats who act with kindness, and not bitterness. Cats like you, with good hearts.” She admitted. “That’s the Skyclan I know and love, brave yet kind.” Mudwasp blinked at her in interest, finding that her way of doing things instead of StarClan's way sounded quite intriguing. "But if we turn away from StarClan, what happens to us? Do we automatically end up in the Dark Forest?" He asked. Mudwasp might like the idea of abandoning his faith in StarClan, but that didn't mean he liked the idea of ending up in the Dark Forest when he finally passed on. Frostlight started to groom Withermist's fur comfortingly, trying her best to calm him down. "You're already doing everything you can. You've only just discovered all of this, Withermist. You're still learning what it all means and why you are the way you are." She soothed, looking at him firmly. "Normal is overrated, you know? I like you the way you are, and I don't want you to change. I truly believe to be someone who is good, no matter what your origin is." Hawkpaw sighed and pressed against Emberpaw firmly, taking in the comfort that her sister's presence had to offer. "We'll find a way to get them back. There has to be a reason why those rogues took them alive instead of just killing them, I don't believe that they're dead." She mewed, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. Kestrelfrost gave her a smile, glad that she saw him as someone who was kind and had a good heart. "We'll be okay, I just know it." He said, giving her a small nudge and nodding towards Frostlight and Withermist. "You're already surrounded by good cats. The ones who aren't will soon enough cut themselves away from us." Kestrelfrost added, referring to Dreamlily's long friendship with Frostlight. “…Perhaps there’s a place that is neither the Dark Forest or Starclan. Where else would loners and kittypets go when they die?” Echowing offered with a pause, if only to determine if he should tell him that the Dark Forest wasn’t as awful as cats wanted them to believe. If anything, Starclan wanted them to villainize any cat that didn’t worship them. “You really are a light.” Withermist murmured softly as he looked up at his mate, as though she was a miracle to behold. “The place that created me… you could never find yourself there. I am glad. You would be happier anywhere but there…” He felt his heart ache, knowing deep down that if he was called back to the Dark Forest, would he see her after death? Would he never get to touch her or feel her warmth after? He shook the thought away, knowing he couldn’t bear to tell her that. “Did any of the Thunderclan cats recognize them? They had a problem with rouges alot, right?” Emberpaw asked her sister. Maybe they could plead Thunderclan to search, and sneak onto their patrols, if Spiritstar wouldn’t let Skyclan organize them. “I wish Frostlight had been my littermate.” Dreamlily admitted quietly, feeling closer to her than her own sister. Frostlight was kind and brave, and Dreamlily couldn’t have asked for a better friend than her. She looked at Kestrelfrost with a soft smile, only to stiffen as she heard a shocked cry coming from the camp entrance.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 9:51:09 GMT -5
“Spiritstar!” Wingpaw exclaimed with horror, having been close to the camp entrance as he saw Plumwillow and Quickwing pulling her body into camp. The tom’s ears fell against his head as he cried out. “She’s gonna wake up, right? She’s got nine lives!” He tried to mew optimistically, though Plumwillow’s grave look and shake of her head had the apprentice cowering.
“What?!” Poppyclaw exclaimed sharply, having been ready to tell Skyflight to stop being so humble when she was easily qualified to be a deputy. He stormed towards the camp entrance, before he stopped, eyes wide as indeed, Spiritstar was dead.
The silence of the vigil erupted into noise once more as fear began to set in. Dewcloud gave a gasp of disbelief, wailing out. “She can’t be!”
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 14, 2024 10:10:07 GMT -5
Spiderbite shot his head up when he heard Wingpaw's shout. Disbelief widened his eyes when he saw Plumwillow and Quickwing dragging the body of their leader. She looked soaked to the bone. What happened out there? Spiderbite stood up, waiting for a sign of life to return to Spiritstar's body, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized he had felt something was off not long after Spiritstar left the camp. Where at once he thought he could sense a life--something Lavendersky told him was Spiritstar's life--he realized he could no longer sense it.
She's gone.
All Spiderbite felt was numb. He slowly padded over to Plumwillow and Quickwing. He couldn't take his eyes off their leader's lifeless corpse. How could she be lost now? After what just happened to Whitesun's patrol? After the outburst she said in camp. Is she even with StarClan? Spiritstar renounced her believe in StarClan. How could they accept her if she refused to go? Still, he stared at her corpse. "What happened?"
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 10:15:56 GMT -5
Plumwillow slowly released Spiritstar’s scruff, her voice raw and numb as she mewed. “Quickwing and I went after Warblerwind and Spiritstar to make sure they were okay. They were at Jagged Drop when we got there, and… and…” She choked, unable to say that Warblerwind had been the one to push Spiritstar off the drop, leading to both their deaths.
|
|
|
Post by Foxstar26 on May 14, 2024 11:07:16 GMT -5
Quickwing set Spiritstar carefully in the center of camp. She looked at Spiderbite, unsure of the words to say. Her mind was whirling with 100 different thoughts. “She’s dead…” she spoke softly. “We went after them and when we got to jagged drop..” she voice faded out. She had to be strong for her clan. She had to find the nerve to speak. “Warblerwind attacked her and they fell over.” She said after a long moment, voice cracking. “We couldn’t find his body, only Spiritstar.”
“NO!” Slateheart’s voice cut through the shocked camp. “No no!” He hurried forward to his mates body. He pressed his face into her neck. “No no no.” He cried. “You aren’t dead. Please don’t be dead!” He cried, looking at her in shock. Their last moments.. their last moments were of pain and hurt and now she was gone. He looked towards Quickwing in despair. “My son wouldn’t have kill her.” He said with almost a snarl. “They were inseparable.” He stood and took a step towards Quickwing. “My son did not kill Spiritstar.”
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 14, 2024 11:14:38 GMT -5
Spiderbite took a step back in shock. Did I hear right? Warblerwind attacked her? He looked at the body. There were some wounds under her wet, matted pelt. It curled his stomach to think about it. Lavendersky once said Spiritstar went over Jagged Drop when her siblings betrayed her and now she went over after her own son betrayed her? Was this StarClan's punishment? I never got a read on Warblerwind. The tom was too evasive for Spiderbite to figure him out.
Spiderbite looked slowly at Slateheart. The horror he felt made his tone numb. "She's not coming back. That was her last life."
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 11:32:19 GMT -5
“Is it true, Plumwillow? Did Warblerwind push her?” Poppyclaw demanded sharply, his ears pinned back as he watched Slateheart’s yowls of agony. He noticed how Plumwillow looked conflicted, her eyes wide with conflict as she mewed.
“He… we saw… we only heard the last moments, and the context was fuzzy. I… Quickwing and I could have misheard him but… but he did move to her, and by then they both fell off the Drop. It had to be a misunderstanding, Warblerwind wouldn’t…” She trailed off, clearly trying to justify it to defend her apprentice, but knowing that she didn’t see differently.
“So he did push her!” Poppyclaw snarled, eyes wide. “He’s murdered his own mother!”
“Traitor!” Dewcloud shouted, her eyes wide with unshed tears and anger. Wingpaw was bristling angrily, while Cobrafang had his claws extended at the realization. How could Warblerwind have done this?!
Redspring stared at Spiritstar’s body with shock, her fur bristling and a snarl escaping her lips. She stiffened between Ashfeather and Willownose. “What are we going to do now?!”
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 14, 2024 11:37:46 GMT -5
Spiderbite flattened his ears as the uproar from the Clan started. His gaze stole back to Spiritstar's body. Spiritstar, their guiding light was dead and her final moments were those of hopelessness. Whitesun was missing. StarClan, he silently prayed. What are we to do now? He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what his place was anymore. Lavendersky needed to be here. Not him. Maybe if she was feeling better...Spiderbite looked back toward the medicine den. He wished Lavendersky would come out of it.
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 14, 2024 11:45:35 GMT -5
Splashecho watched the scene from the cliffs of the camp. Silvercloud came back dead? Whitesun was missing? Now, Spiritstar was dead? Her fur prickled. Spiritstar renounced StarClan. Perhaps their leader was right and their ancestors truly had abandoned us. "They punished her," she realized aloud. "She renounced them and they punished her for it. Now, we'll all suffer for it." She looked up at the sky, feeling her face grow cold. Waspstrike warned her StarClan could be cruel and she didn't believe him. He was right. I see it now. StarClan expects full obediance or we pay the price like Spiritstar did. She was their favorite, and they killed her in the cruel way she almost died as an apprentice. Splashecho flattened her ears and hardened her heart. The only thing that can be trusted is close kin. She trusted her brother. She trusted her kits and her mate, but she wouldn't trust StarClan or Cliffheart or anyone else for that matter. The cats she cared about were all that mattered.
Flyingpaw stood frozen at the entrance of the apprentice den. Her eyes were wide in shock at the scene in the middle of camp. Spiritstar was dead? Silvercloud was dead? Whitesun was missing? Spiderbite thinks its the Dark Forest? She looked in near fear at the medicine cat. If StarClan finds out I've been training there, what will happen to me and my siblings? She looked down at her paws. She found it hard to believe Warblerwind would kill Spiritstar. It must have been a misunderstanding. What if he stumbled and caused them both to fall off Jagged Drop? I'm scared.
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 12:02:01 GMT -5
Echowing watched from her spot at Mudwasp’s side. While she feigned surprise, internally she was relieved that Robinstar’s plan had been a success. She herself had been the one to help make sure Robinstar had been able to pass on her words to Jaguar, who then tempted the city cats to ambush the patrol. Now that Skyclan had no leader or deputy, there would be no doubting that Starclan was punishing them. She flexed her claws slowly.
Nettlesting suddenly seemed to move from his stunned spot. He padded right past Spiritstar’s body, right past Spiderbite and the rest of his shouting Clanmates and halted right at the camp entrance as Plumwillow called him desperately. “Nettlesting? Where are you going?”
Nettlesting turned to look at his Clanmates, his eyes betraying his defeat and lack of caring anymore. He mewed strongly. “I’m leaving the Clans. For good.”
“W-…what?!” Plumwillow gaped.
Nettlesting continued on, his anger now loud and clear as he shouted. “Are you kidding me?! This is what we’re expected to deal with, day in and day out? Have you all not realized that three cats, maybe more, are just dead? Gone? If it’s not fires, it’s floods. If it’s not sickness, it’s starvation! Oh!” He laughed, though it was hollow. “And now, dead cats who hate all of our guts and want us all dead are now murdering us in our sleep and training us to kill eachother? How many of you all are there every night, huh? Learning to eventually betray us all? No. No, I’m not doing it anymore!” He took a few heavy breaths.
|
|
|
Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on May 14, 2024 12:08:58 GMT -5
Spiderbite blinked in surprise at Nettlesting. While he remembered his conversation with the tom, he was still shocked Nettlesting would actually leave. Spiderbite spread his paws to balance his stance when he felt himself waver. So much bad news what hitting them all at once. He didn't blame the tom for wanting to walk out. There seemed no hope upon the horizon anymore. "Nettlesting." For once, Spiderbite held no venom on his tone. "Are you sure?"
"So, you're just going to abandon the Clan?" Splashecho bared her teeth as she shouted from her place on the cliff. "If that's how you feel, then you need to leave. Anyone who walks out on SkyClan can't be trusted."
Flyingpaw pinned her ears back. Nettlesting was leaving the Clan? She looked wide-eyed at all of her clanmates. How many would follow him? Was SkyClan falling a part???
|
|
|
Post by Moonblazer on May 14, 2024 12:26:33 GMT -5
“I am.” Nettlesting looked at Spiderbite, the anger in his eyes softening only for a moment as he addressed the Medicine Cat. He could hear the angry shouts from the Clan, but he addressed only Spiderbite first. “I really, really do envy your faith. It’s made you such a good cat, but I’m not like you. And I already haven’t felt like a Clan life was a life meant for me anyway, for longer than you could know. Skyclan isn’t losing anything by me going.”
Hearing Splashecho’s shout, he glared around at her, hissing up sharply. “Yeah! I am! You might be fine with living and dying in this kind of life, but I’m done! Hate me, honestly it makes the whole thing easier for everyone if you do. And you’d all be wise to think if this is the kind of life you really want to die for.”
“Nettlesting!” Cloudberry nearly sobbed, rushing towards her son as she pleaded with him. “You don’t have to do this, emotions are high, and I know that these deaths are-“
“You think this is just about their deaths?” Nettlesting exclaimed, before he looked at his mother with hurt and anger in his eyes. “You won’t ever tell me who my father is because you’re ashamed of it! And you’re only ashamed of it because this stupid Warrior Code tells you to be! Insufferable as Echowing is with her big mouth, can you blame her for thinking Starclan’s throwing wrath down on us because her parents broke the code and lied? Look me in the eyes, and tell me who my father is, please!”
Cloudberry was stunned into silence, her eyes flitting around fearfully before her ears fell. While she was clearly distraught and upset, the powerful resolve she made to never reveal Captain’s identity still remained. And it was that silence of refusal that made Nettlesting’s eyes darken.
“Of course you won’t. Even now, when I’m begging you, the one thing I just wanted more than anything, and you still will never do it. Keep your Code then. Keep your shame and your judgement, and I wish you all the best of luck when the next fire kills half the Clan. I’m sure keeping that secret will be well worth it.” He mewed venomously.
|
|