|☾ ☼ ϟ ≈ Skyclan: The Resilient and Tough |☾ ☼ ϟ ≈ ☁| ☼

bluewonder []̷ 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓽 []̷ Just wanted to check and see if you were still wanting to continue in Skyclan!)

(When Ice hops on next, we can have Pondpaw start training with Mudwasp! There's going to be aloooot of drama/activity for Skyclan soon since Spiritstar will soon be passing, and Fox's character Quickwing will become Skyclan's leader soon.)

“It’s the only thing we can do.” Spiritstar nodded once, before her eyes flickered with promise. “Last time, we were different cats. This time, we will be ready. So long as Skyclan stands, we will stand with you and any Clan that defies the Dark Forest. I will be sure to make it clear that interaction with the Dark Forest will not be tolerated here.”

Peachdapple nodded, a saddened yet approving smile crossing her muzzle as she dipped her head to Spiritstar. She looked at Lightningstar, before looking at Spiderbite. “Aspenfall and I have our next herb trade prepared for when you want to receive it. Just let a member of our next patrol know and I will have it brought to the usual spot, at the border.”

Plumwillow padded forwards to return to the meeting point, her eyes flickering often towards Quickwing without thinking. Starclan, it wasn’t fair how pretty she was, and the way she talked with her. Plumwillow was shocked that Quickwing thought so humbly of herself. Plumwillow wanted to show her just how great she was, and just… be near her. She shook the enamored feelings away, focusing back on the assessment.

After all, Warblerpaw would surely succeed in sparring, and then all that was left was the great climb. She felt proud, that she had trained him this far.

Peachdapple turned to look at Spiderbite, her voice tired but honest as she admitted. "Some cats make it very obvious. Others are very good at hiding it. But, most cats tempted into training by the Dark Forest will obtain unexplainable wounds, will become more aggressive in sparring and training, or use moves that their mentors never taught them. Some, in extreme cases, will do drastic measures influenced by the Dark Forest. Such as Shadeclaw's attempt to take over Thunderclan."

"Cats who are kin to cats who were alive to fight the Dark Forest during the moons of Adderclan are also usually preyed upon..." Spiritstar admitted, her tail lashing as she thought of all of her siblings, of herself, and of her nieces and nephews over time. She knew the lengths Robinstar would go, to get her revenge. "Kits and Apprentices tend to be their most common targets." She murmured, voice heavy.

Warblerpaw gazed up at the sprawling branches of the great Sky Oak, heart pounding not with fear, but pure thrill. The sparring had gone well enough; his extra training with Robinstar had paid off, it seemed. But climbing? He knew he would absolutely ace this last task. He grinned at Plumwillow, more than ready.

Sunpaw shivered in anticipation, her eyes scanning the Sky Oak for the best paw holds and branches for her to perch on. Her claws sunk into the ground, more than ready to climb the large tree and prove herself a warrior of SkyClan.

Firepaw stood next to his siblings as they waited to start the final portion of the assessment, a determined look in his eyes. He had done well for the fighting portion and although he might not have been the best hunter, but he was rather confident in his climbing skills.

Shadowmask looked at the sky, not liking the way the clouds were making they sky look so dark, “We should get started then. Those clouds don’t look promising.” She mewed.

Warblerpaw wasted no time once Buzzardfall gave the command. He hopped onto one of the huge, snaking roots and began his climb with powerful, fluid movements. He was a great hunter, sure. And when it came to fighting, he could certainly hold his own. But the trees? That was where he excelled. As he came to the first massive limb of the Sky Oak, he recalled his race with Plumwillow to the top of her special tree with a swell of pride and warmth. He cast a beaming smile back down to his mentor, determined that he'd be making her proud today.

Sunpaw launched herself at the tree when Buzzardfall gave the okay to start and quickly started to make her way up the large tree.

Firepaw wasn’t far behind Sunpaw, jumping from the roots and digging his claws into the bark of the Sky Tree, pulling himself up the trunk and towards one of the lower branches of the tree.

"You're right." Spiritstar nodded to Spiderbite, grateful for the young tom's assured tone. She could tell that he took his role seriously, and Skyclan needed that greatly. She would take his counsel. "I will address the Clan. Lightningstar, Peachdapple, if you plan to bring this warning to the other Clans, you best depart before you lose valuable travel time. If you cannot return to Thunderclan in time later this evening, you may stay the evening in Skyclan on your way back." Spiritstar offered, wanting to assure them that Skyclan was still strong at Thunderclan's side for the time being.

Peachdapple dipped her head at the she-cat's offer. "Your generosity is admirable, Spiritstar." She looked at Spiderbite with another nod, knowing and with respect. "As well as your clan's ability to produce exceptional medicine cats." She looked at Lightningstar, knowing that he would be the one to decide if they took the offer if their travel took longer than the full day.

Spiritstar nodded. “Then, I wish you safe travels. I hope that the other clans take your warning seriously.” She admitted, standing to her paws to begin escorting the three Thunderclan cats out of the medicine den. She would address the Clan when the apprentices returned. Perhaps the ceremony would soften the blow of this dark revelation.

Plumwillow watched the apprentices with bright eyes. She looked at Quickwing and giggled. “Remember when we had to do this assignment? I was so excited to climb that high. Nettlesting said I looked like a squirrel, scaling that Oak.” She purred. “I bet you and Blackfire aced it.”

Warblerpaw eyed the next branch of the Sky Oak, taking a gamble and making a mighty leap to land effortlessly on the bough with a triumphant croon.

"I was made for the trees!" he said before scrambling up the trunk to the next limb, and the next. He moved like a bird from branch to branch with graceful and confident movements.

He was nearing the top now, and paused to catch his breath, looked down over his shoulder at the other apprentices, pride for all of them warming him from the inside out.

Quickwing watched the apprentices scale the tree. She purred softly in memory. “It was so fun! I beat Blackfire up the tree.” She chuckled. “But she’ll tell you she beat me!”

Coldpaw wasn’t too far behind Warblerpaw. She wanted to be quick but careful. She moved from branch to branch quickly but methodically.

Fallpaw was last. He hissed in annoyance, his stocky frame not helping. He was a great fighter because of it but climbing not so much. He moved up from branch to branch.

Sunpaw slowed as she neared the top, eyeing the last branches before she quickly jumped up them. “Made it!” She purred breathlessly, looking back at Warblerpaw and Coldpaw.

Firepaw was only halfway up the tree himself, his own stocky frame making it difficult for the climb. He glanced back at his brother, giving him a flick of his ear, “You alright?” He asked, clambering up another branch.