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Post by sylveon on Oct 30, 2020 23:43:58 GMT -5
I don't understand why they think killing Bramblestar's body would do anything to Ashfur, when Ashfur can leave the body at will. who's to say he can't return more than 8 times? And, I would assume Bramblestar has "died" every time ashfur leaves his body.
It won't end Bramblestar's suffering because he isn't even IN there. He isn't really possessed, because his own soul is wandering the dark forest. I'm so confused lmao
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Oct 30, 2020 23:54:22 GMT -5
I don't understand why they think killing Bramblestar's body would do anything to Ashfur, when Ashfur can leave the body at will. who's to say he can't return more than 8 times? And, I would assume Bramblestar has "died" every time ashfur leaves his body.
It won't end Bramblestar's suffering because he isn't even IN there. He isn't really possessed, because his own soul is wandering the dark forest. I'm so confused lmao I think they're hoping that without a body to possess that Ashfur will lose power
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Post by fire on Oct 30, 2020 23:56:42 GMT -5
So Ashfur will die and take Squirrelflight to the Dark Forest with him, cuz she'll go to try to stop Bramblestar from being killed
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Post by Dawnwing on Oct 31, 2020 0:06:22 GMT -5
“Cloudtail calls from the elders den to bring ferns, as bracken is too prickly for Brightheart.”
Huh? Bracken is a type of fern.
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Oct 31, 2020 0:15:20 GMT -5
“Cloudtail calls from the elders den to bring ferns, as bracken is too prickly for Brightheart.” Huh? Bracken is a type of fern. Yup, it's pretty large too. But I guess they probably meant smaller ferns? Either way it's pretty funny.
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Post by Hollyfall on Oct 31, 2020 0:21:57 GMT -5
Chapter 23:
Bristlefrost can't see Squirrelflight anymore. The leaders and their deputies are leaving. Bristlefrost spots Rootspring and she races towards him, saying that Squirrelflight is gone. He says she ran ahead of then, and she's probably across the bridge by now. They realize that she's heading to the ShadowClan camp, and agree they have to stop what she's doing. Bristlefrost thinks that Squirrelflight loves Bramblestar enough to give up her life, her leadership, and her Clan. She says that if she reaches the camp before the other leaders, they won't forgive her. Rootspring thinks she might be trying to help Ashfur escape. Bristlefrost says that maybe she's doing the right thing, as ThunderClan needs Bramblestar back. Rootspring says that Squirrelflight won't be helping Bramblestar, she'll be helping Ashfur, and if they lose Squirrelflight, ThunderClan may never recover. Bristlefrost says he's right, and wonders if they can stop reach her in time. Rootspring says they can if they cut across RiverClan territory. Bristlefrost asks why Rootspring cares so much for ThunderClan, since he's a SkyClan warrior. Rootspring says he cares about her, and he cares about Squirrelflight, and ThunderClan must not be lost. Bristlefrost breathes that if they save ThunderClan, than she's staying with them. Rootspring says he can't leave SkyClan for her either, as it's his home. Bristlefrost knew this was coming, but still feels grief about it.
The two cut across RiverClan, eventually racing across ShadowClan's border. Bristlefrost is unfamiliar with the territory, but sees that Rootspring knows. Bristlefrost asks if he has Squirrelflight's scent. He says he doesn't, but he knows the quickest way to the camp, assuming Squirrelflight is trying to reach Ashfur before the patrol. Just then Bristlefrost spots Squirrelflight's orange fur between the trees. So does Rootspring, pushing ahead and colliding into Squirrelflight. Squirrelflight hooks him in her claws and begins defending herself, but Bristlefrost shouts for her to stop, as they want to help her. Squirrelflight scowls at them, and says that she needs to save Bramblestar before the patrol gets there to kill him. Bristlefrost says she can't fight every cat in the forest. Squirrelflight retorts that she can help him escape. Rootspring says they'll know who helped him if he does escape, and they won't forgive her. He adds that she isn't saving Bramblestar, she's saving Ashfur. Bristlefrost says that ThunderClan needs a leader, and if she does this, then they would have lost both her and Bramblestar, and they'll become the very thing Ashfur was doing after he nearly tore the Clan apart. She asks if any of them could survive that, asking if cats like Thornclaw or Graystripe or the others will want to return to that.
Squirrelflight whispers that it's Bramblestar's body, and he'll have nothing to return to otherwise. Bristlefrost asks how he can survive if Ashfur is saved. Squirrelflight says that Bramblestar might find his way back. Rootspring says that he hasn't seen Bramblestar in over a moon, and neither did the Sisters. Squirrelflight draws heavy breaths, saying "I've always imagined losing Bramblestar many times. In battles, to sickness, but never like this. I thought I'd have eight more lives to say goodbye, but he's gone before I was ready, and I can't let go of the idea that he's still out there."
Rootspring mews that he's not, and while something terrible is happening around the lake, it's best to think Bramblestar is not among the spirits suffering. Squirrelflight asks if Rootspring thinks he's free from suffering, to which Rootspring says he isn't sure. Bristlefrost says she can't imagine having to let him go, but she has to think of the Clan. Squirrelflight can't do anything for Bramblestar now, but she can help ThunderClan. She can rebuild ThunderClan as it's leader, and make sure it stays strong, like Bramblestar would have wanted. Bristlefrost hears the patrol in the distance walking over the forest, knowing that they're approaching the camp. Squirrelflight says that Bramblestar would have chosen ThunderClan over his own life, and if he must die, then ThunderClan must be survived, and she'll do everything she can to save it. Bristlefrost hears clarity in Squirrelflight's voice, and knows she means her words.
Yowls echo between the trees and hears a screech of pain rising above them. Bristlefrost shivers, and wonders if the patrol had killed Ashfur at last. Squirrelflight heard it too, her mouth opening as if she can hardly believe her ears. Squirrelflight looks away, trembling, but Rootspring says that Tree once told him that every end is a beginning. Bristlefrost pads closer, and tells Squirrelflight it's time to rebuild ThunderClan
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Oct 31, 2020 0:32:18 GMT -5
shadowsight prob is gonna help him escape....
also why is everyone acting like bramblestar was some great leader? he was not
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Oct 31, 2020 0:33:35 GMT -5
Ah...she really was about to actually help him escape. I don't know how much worse they can prove that she cares more about Bramble over her clan. Either way, at least the chapter had an interesting take on making tough decisions. Just didn't think two "younglings" had to be the final nail to get through to Squirrel, smh. I wouldn't even mind if it was Squirrel that did the deed, then both her and Bramble would be driven out from their positions.
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Post by wftl1980 on Oct 31, 2020 1:34:06 GMT -5
I’ve heard there’s a bonus chapter in this one. Can anyone confirm or deny? OP, thank you so much for doing this. How long is there to go?
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Oct 31, 2020 1:35:08 GMT -5
I can almost feel Squirrelflight's desperation. I can also see where both sides are coming from, but I still really hope Bramblestar doesn't actually get his body back. There better be actual consequences after all this.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Oct 31, 2020 1:37:03 GMT -5
I’ve heard there’s a bonus chapter in this one. Can anyone confirm or deny? OP, thank you so much for doing this. How long is there to go? I don't think there is? Where did you hear that there would be? Usually B&N does those, and there's no listing for one on their site last I checked. The only book to get a bonus chapter in this arc was Lost Stars. Also, 25 in total, so two more.
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Post by wftl1980 on Oct 31, 2020 1:51:33 GMT -5
I’ve heard there’s a bonus chapter in this one. Can anyone confirm or deny? OP, thank you so much for doing this. How long is there to go? I don't think there is? Where did you hear that there would be? Usually B&N does those, and there's no listing for one on their site last I checked. The only book to get a bonus chapter in this arc was Lost Stars. Also, 25 in total, so two more. Thanks. Just some rando on Tumblr, tbh. No one reputable, so I just wondered if anyone knew anything.
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Post by 🔥Firestar🔥 on Oct 31, 2020 3:37:05 GMT -5
I think i'm loving Squirrelflight as acting ThunderClan leader, she's doing a really great job on handling her Clanmates. That speech was amazing! Thinking about this, her "obession" with bringing Bramblestar back is somewhat reasonable. We saw her grief when Bramblestar died in the cold and how happy she was he came back. She has a very, very deep attachement to him, and with the whole Clan thinking about killing him, Great StarClan i understand why she's so nervious.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Oct 31, 2020 4:00:22 GMT -5
I think i'm loving Squirrelflight as acting ThunderClan leader, she's doing a really great job on handling her Clanmates. That speech was amazing! Thinking about this, her "obession" with bringing Bramblestar back is somewhat reasonable. We saw her grief when Bramblestar died in the cold and how happy she was he came back. She has a very, very deep attachement to him, and with the whole Clan thinking about killing him, Great StarClan i understand why she's so nervious. Furthermore, she also likely feels guilt over the entire situation since she agreed to go along with putting his body out in the snow. It's also possible that Ashfur seeing her in StarClan may have caused him to snap again, assuming he simply wasn't biding his time since he died. Putting her own feelings above the safety of the Clans isn't practical at all, but what happened to Bramblestar wasn't exactly normal, either.
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Post by sylveon on Oct 31, 2020 5:38:58 GMT -5
I think i'm loving Squirrelflight as acting ThunderClan leader, she's doing a really great job on handling her Clanmates. That speech was amazing! Thinking about this, her "obession" with bringing Bramblestar back is somewhat reasonable. We saw her grief when Bramblestar died in the cold and how happy she was he came back. She has a very, very deep attachement to him, and with the whole Clan thinking about killing him, Great StarClan i understand why she's so nervious. Furthermore, she also likely feels guilt over the entire situation since she agreed to go along with putting his body out in the snow. It's also possible that Ashfur seeing her in StarClan may have caused him to snap again, assuming he simply wasn't biding his time since he died. Putting her own feelings above the safety of the Clans isn't practical at all, but what happened to Bramblestar wasn't exactly normal, either. I feel like she's acting as anyone would act. It's not really reasonable, but how many of us live lives where it's all about the "greater good"? I know I would have a hard time letting any of my loved ones die for that reason. I think it's an interesting plot of morals and love. She's grieving, and denial is a part of grief.
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Bisexual
#64C7FF
Name Colour
finland
Porgs are love
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Post by finland on Oct 31, 2020 9:00:17 GMT -5
Barring Cherryfall and Molewhisker, yep. Jeez, poor guy. First, he loses his littermate and his little sister, and now his mom is gone. I'm surprised he didn't go with her, but at the same time, I'm not. Don't forget his little brother. Poor Toadstep.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2020 9:56:39 GMT -5
Jeez, poor guy. First, he loses his littermate and his little sister, and now his mom is gone. I'm surprised he didn't go with her, but at the same time, I'm not. Don't forget his little brother. Poor Toadstep. Yeah! I loved Toadstep! Also, his other littermate Hazeltail.
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Post by The One and Only Moongaze on Oct 31, 2020 11:24:59 GMT -5
Mistystar is sus
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Post by Hollyfall on Oct 31, 2020 12:05:33 GMT -5
Chapter 24: Shadowsight (part of it, anyways, i'll post the rest in a bit)
Ashfur asks if Shadowsight heard that. Shadowsight is confused, hearing nothing. Ashfur gazes into the distance, his pose stiff and eyes wide like an animal being hunted, quietly meowing "Something's changed. They're coming for me." Shadowsight sees Grassheart and Stonewing on guard, looking relaxed. Shadowsight says Ashfur must have imagined a noise, but Ashfur says "They're coming for me. I can sense it."
Shadowsight backs away, saying he can't hear anything. He thinks that it's no wonder that ShadowClan would want him dead, as he killed Conefoot and Frondwhisker, and Ashfur even tried to kill him. Maybe it's better that Ashfur is killed by the Clans, so Shadowsight doesn't have to hear his sly twisting of truth. But, Shadowsight knows that Ashfur is their best chance to try and reach StarClan again, and wonders if the Clans are willing to kill him in cold blood. Ashfur leans in closer to Shadowsight, hissing "If they kill me, then you'll never get Bramblestar back. You were the one who sent him to the frozen moor to die. Do you think any of the Clans will forget that? They'll see you as Bramblestar's murderer forever."
Shadowsight snarls that what he just said isn't true, but he knows Ashfur is right, and Shadowsight knows he is Bramblestar's murderer, and thinks that maybe it's about time he accepted the truth and let go of the hope that Bramblestar might return. Ashfur glares at him, and Shadowsight snarls at him "Why shouldn't they kill you? Bramblestar's gone! His spirit hasn't been seen for over a moon. You've done something with him and he's never coming back. His body isn't any use to him, why should you have it?"
Ashfur's gaze turns spiteful, asking if Shadowsight is sure Bramblestar's gone. Shadowsight wonders what game Ashfur is playing now, and says that he must be gone. Ashfur asks why, and Shadowsight says because Bramblestar didn't show up at the Sisters' ceremony. Ashfur only replies with "What if I didn't let him?"
Shadowsight suddenly feels cold, feeling Ashfur's spirit beneath Bramblestar's flesh staring at him with a burning, malignant gaze. Shadowsight demands to know what he's done with Bramblestar. Ashfur twitches his whiskers, and asks Shadowsight if he didn't already warn him not to ask about it. Shadowsight recalls to when he first saw Ashfur leave Bramblestar's body, and told him that he shouldn't ask what happened to Bramblestar unless he wants the same thing to happen to him. Shadowsight hisses to let Bramblestar go.
Ashfur snarls at him, "You're so worried about Bramblestar's spirit. Haven't you wondered about any other cat? Don't you realize how much power I gained when I discovered how easily I could move between the living world and the dead?" Shadowsight asks what he means, and Ashfur hisses that no spirit is safe from him. Shadowsight wonders what other cat Ashfur is holding hostage. Ashfur seems to know what Shadowsight is thinking, and with his eyes glittering malevolently, "Have you forgotten Spiresight?"
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Post by Hollyfall on Oct 31, 2020 12:29:32 GMT -5
I honestly have no idea how to describe this next scene so I'll just post it for you guys. After Lionblaze says he's sent the guards away, Shadowsight asks where Tigerstar is. Lionblaze says he's outside with Leafstar, Mistystar, and Harestar. Lionblaze tells Shadowsight to leave, and he wonders if Lionblaze is intending to finish the job he started. Tigerstar calls for Lionblaze, and Lionblaze frowns, padding back and asking what he wants. As Lionblaze leaves, Ashfur hisses to Shadowsight that Shadowsight has no choice, and Bramblestar will have died and Shadowsight will have done it. ShadowClan's camp is empty now. Only the leaders and deputies are there. Tigerstar asks Lionblaze if he's sure he wants to act on Squirrelflight's behalf for this. Lionblaze growls that ThunderClan must take on as much responsibility as the other Clans. Shadowsight hurries towards them, and says there's something they need to know before they do anything. Shadowsight pads past them, drawing their gaze from Ashfur's prison. Tigerstar leans closer, asking if something's wrong. Leafstar pricks her ears. Shadowsight begins to say "Ashfur isn't...", and hesitates. Lionblaze snarls to spit it out. But as he says that, a figure bolts out of the prison and heads for the dirtplace tunnel, going through the narrow opening in the camp wall and disappearing into the darkness. Lionblaze's gaze follows the figure as it leaves. Lionblaze swings his gaze back to Shadowsight, his pelt spiking and unsheathing his claws. Lionblaze shakes with rage, asking "What in StarClan have you done?"
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2020 12:33:12 GMT -5
I wonder if Assfur is somehow trapping all the recently dead cats in Bramblestar's body, and if they kill Bramblestar, ALL those cats will die too.
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~Ƈαммι-`ღ´-
just missing wolf roleplay and waiting for the WolfQuest Saga c’x
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Post by ~Ƈαммι-`ღ´- on Oct 31, 2020 12:37:54 GMT -5
I wonder if Assfur is somehow trapping all the recently dead cats in Bramblestar's body, and if they kill Bramblestar, ALL those cats will die too. Oh man. That sounds terrifying, but definitely possible at this point.
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Post by streamflower on Oct 31, 2020 12:39:23 GMT -5
I honestly have no idea how to describe this next scene so I'll just post it for you guys. After Lionblaze says he's sent the guards away, Shadowsight asks where Tigerstar is. Lionblaze says he's outside with Leafstar, Mistystar, and Harestar. Lionblaze tells Shadowsight to leave, and he wonders if Lionblaze is intending to finish the job he started. Tigerstar calls for Lionblaze, and Lionblaze frowns, padding back and asking what he wants. As Lionblaze leaves, Ashfur hisses to Shadowsight that Shadowsight has no choice, and Bramblestar will have died and Shadowsight will have done it. ShadowClan's camp is empty now. Only the leaders and deputies are there. Tigerstar asks Lionblaze if he's sure he wants to act on Squirrelflight's behalf for this. Lionblaze growls that ThunderClan must take on as much responsibility as the other Clans. Shadowsight hurries towards them, and says there's something they need to know before they do anything. Shadowsight pads past them, drawing their gaze from Ashfur's prison. Tigerstar leans closer, asking if something's wrong. Leafstar pricks her ears. Shadowsight begins to say "Ashfur isn't...", and hesitates. Lionblaze snarls to spit it out. But as he says that, a figure bolts out of the prison and heads for the dirtplace tunnel, going through the narrow opening in the camp wall and disappearing into the darkness. Lionblaze's gaze follows the figure as it leaves. Lionblaze swings his gaze back to Shadowsight, his pelt spiking and unsheathing his claws. Lionblaze shakes with rage, asking "What in StarClan have you done?" Well damn. So Ashfur can not only possess bodies, but force the spirits of other cats into them? I just really want to know how he's doing that.
Also, how the heck is Lionblaze blaming Shadowsight for Ashfur escaping...? The camp was empty, he (Lionblaze) sent away the guards...Ashfur could have just attacked Shadowsight if he wanted to and still could have ran. Also I'm really enjoying most of this book I really hate the bully-Shadowsight train going on. If the others blame him for this I'm gonna be pissed.
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Post by Brindlefern on Oct 31, 2020 12:43:24 GMT -5
Yeah I'm not fond of the book ragging on Shadowsight so hard. The dude's getting gaslighted constantly to the point he doesn't even know what is true or not or who to trust anymore (Because ya know, gaslighting does that to you and I wish these cats noticed Shadowsight defending the asshole had something up), his role as a medicine Cat's pretty much been taken from him (He may still be one but as long as he's just gonna be a sorta scrapegoat to go heal Ashfur and not do other shit that's what it feels like to me, and frankly I still feel like they'll rip the role away from him for real some point after this), he's not getting ANY real breaks in his chapters, nobody trusts him, he's seen his guardian figure trapped in the body that was supposed to be killed meaning he could die with Bramble, and now he's being blamed for Ashfur escaping when before he could've been killed before everyone even got there in an EMPTY CAMP so it's like...
Man, they really do not want Shadowsight to have any relief. It's honestly already frustrating. I feel like Lionblaze blaming him is a last straw for me here.
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Post by Hollyfall on Oct 31, 2020 12:44:54 GMT -5
I honestly have no idea how to describe this next scene so I'll just post it for you guys. After Lionblaze says he's sent the guards away, Shadowsight asks where Tigerstar is. Lionblaze says he's outside with Leafstar, Mistystar, and Harestar. Lionblaze tells Shadowsight to leave, and he wonders if Lionblaze is intending to finish the job he started. Tigerstar calls for Lionblaze, and Lionblaze frowns, padding back and asking what he wants. As Lionblaze leaves, Ashfur hisses to Shadowsight that Shadowsight has no choice, and Bramblestar will have died and Shadowsight will have done it. ShadowClan's camp is empty now. Only the leaders and deputies are there. Tigerstar asks Lionblaze if he's sure he wants to act on Squirrelflight's behalf for this. Lionblaze growls that ThunderClan must take on as much responsibility as the other Clans. Shadowsight hurries towards them, and says there's something they need to know before they do anything. Shadowsight pads past them, drawing their gaze from Ashfur's prison. Tigerstar leans closer, asking if something's wrong. Leafstar pricks her ears. Shadowsight begins to say "Ashfur isn't...", and hesitates. Lionblaze snarls to spit it out. But as he says that, a figure bolts out of the prison and heads for the dirtplace tunnel, going through the narrow opening in the camp wall and disappearing into the darkness. Lionblaze's gaze follows the figure as it leaves. Lionblaze swings his gaze back to Shadowsight, his pelt spiking and unsheathing his claws. Lionblaze shakes with rage, asking "What in StarClan have you done?" Well damn. So Ashfur can not only possess bodies, but force the spirits of other cats into them? I just really want to know how he's doing that.
Also, how the heck is Lionblaze blaming Shadowsight for Ashfur escaping...? The camp was empty, he (Lionblaze) sent away the guards...Ashfur could have just attacked Shadowsight if he wanted to and still could have ran. Also I'm really enjoying most of this book I really hate the bully-Shadowsight train going on. If the others blame him for this I'm gonna be pissed. Keep in mind, Lionblaze has been wanting to kill Ashfur since he found out it was him, and he's been adamant about killing him to Squirrelflight. He got close to it only for Shadowsight to purposefully draw their attention away and let Ashfur escape. He's being a bit harsh but I can see where he's coming from.
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Oct 31, 2020 12:51:13 GMT -5
Well damn. So Ashfur can not only possess bodies, but force the spirits of other cats into them? I just really want to know how he's doing that.
Also, how the heck is Lionblaze blaming Shadowsight for Ashfur escaping...? The camp was empty, he (Lionblaze) sent away the guards...Ashfur could have just attacked Shadowsight if he wanted to and still could have ran. Also I'm really enjoying most of this book I really hate the bully-Shadowsight train going on. If the others blame him for this I'm gonna be pissed. Keep in mind, Lionblaze has been wanting to kill Ashfur since he found out it was him, and he's been adamant about killing him to Squirrelflight. He got close to it only for Shadowsight to purposefully draw their attention away and let Ashfur escape. He's being a bit harsh but I can see where he's coming from. I agree. Shadowsight, whether intentionally or not, played a role as distraction. But when they question him, he'll probably try to justify Ashfur escaping, which will only further them thinking he did it on purpose. He should have left the den when Lionblaze told him to the first time.
He hurried out of the den, then said they had to know something before they did the deed, and when they were all distracted, he still hesitates even then. Which honestly was plenty of time for Ashfur to just up and escape.
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Post by Cheetahstar on Oct 31, 2020 12:55:35 GMT -5
aw man
we were this close to getting Squirrelstar
sad days
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Oct 31, 2020 13:06:06 GMT -5
Oh, I am enjoying this! Again, perfect for the spooky season! This book should've just been officially released in October instead. Ashfur is so creepy and I love it!
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Post by Havenlake on Oct 31, 2020 13:36:18 GMT -5
This is getting interesting and intense so far! Also, jeez Ashfur, you.. ugh. I feel bad for his sister Ferncloud and their mother Brindleface even moreso. I imagine they're ashamed of how their kin is behaving and acting. Sheesh...
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Post by Hollyfall on Oct 31, 2020 13:53:58 GMT -5
Chapter 25: Rootspring
The yowls from ShadowClan's camp have died away, and Rootspring wonders what happened when the patrol arrived there. He wonders if Ashfur is dead, and if Bramblestar's spirit is still wandering through the spirit. Squirrelflight is leaving him and Bristlefrost, telling them that she's going to be where she can be close to Bramblestar. Bristlefrost says they don't know where Bramblestar is, and Rootspring says he thinks she's going to the Moonpool, as it's probably the closest a cat can be to StarClan right now. Bristlefrost asks if he thinks Squirrelflight will be okay. Rootspring says that she will be eventually, as they've convinced her that Bramblestar won't be returning, and she'll be able to mourn for him. Rootspring says he thinks he's going to follow her, and see if he can help her. Bristlefrost says she'll come too, but Rootspring shakes his head, saying that he wants to tell her all he's learned from the Sisters, hoping that it'll bring Squirrelflight some comfort. Bristlefrost says that he's very kind, and Rootspring says he just wants to make it easier for her. They part ways, and Rootspring follows Squirrelflight's scent trail to the Moonpool.
As he gets closer, he scans the area for Squirrelflight. He sees a shape moving between the rocks, and concludes it's Squirrelflight. Squirrelflight weaves around the rocks and sits at the top of the waterfall overlooking the Moonpool. Rootspring goes to the base of the waterfall, and wants to talk to her, but sees that she's sunk into grief, and concludes it may be best to wait a bit.
A tabby pelt moves at the edge of the hollow, and Rootspring recognizes the broad shoulders and wide head of a familiar tom. He sees it's Bramblestar, as the cat looks exactly like him, and wonders if his spirit has found a way back to comfort his mate. Squirrelflight lifts up her head, surprised to see Bramblestar, but then she frowns and spikes up her pelt. Rootspring realizes that it's not Bramblestar at all. Ashfur stops a tail length away from Squirrelflight, and Ashfur says, with a mew edged with a threat, "I'm giving you one last chance."
Squirrelflight backs away from him, snarling at him to stay away. Ashfur narrows his eyes. "Don't you realize how I feel about you?"
Squirrelflight bares her teeth and says she doesn't care how he feels about her, and she wants Bramblestar back. Ashfur twitches his ears and says "Bramblestar isn't coming back. I've made sure of that. I'm the only cat who loves you now. And I'm willing to forgive you for betraying me and making me a prisoner. Come with me. I can make you happier than you ever imagined."
Squirrelflight stares at him with disbelief. "Do you think I could ever be with the cat who killed my mate?". Rootspring pleads inside his head for Squirrelflight not to make Ashfur angry.
Hurt shows in Ashfur's eyes, his mew pleading like a kit. "I've loved you through death. Doesn't that mean anything? I came back from StarClan to be with you. Bramblestar could never do that. No cat could. Don't you think you could learn to love me now that he's gone?"
Squirrelflight glares at him, nothing but hate burning in her eyes. "You killed him and stole his body! You lied to every cat and tore ThunderClan apart! I made my choice moons ago, and you've proven over and over again that it was the right one. I could never love you!"
Ashfur flattens his ears, and his response is only a growl: "I'll make you wish you'd never made that choice", and with a snarl, flings himself at Squirrelflight. Squirrelflight rears back and swipes at his face before he can attack, causing blood to spray everywhere. Ashfur spins around towards her and hooks his claws into her shoulders, dragging her onto the stone and slashing at her cheek. Squirrelflight kicks him off her, and lunges at him with fury as he rolls across the rock.
Rootspring leaps out and heaves himself up to the waterfall. As he gets to the top, Squirrelflight is on Ashfur, churning his belly with her hind paws. Ashfur reaches for her neck between his claws and rolls her onto his spine. Squirrelflight screeches with pain and she tries to twist free. Ashfur digs his claws harder around her throat until Squirrelflight's screams only become yelps of pain. Rootspring hurls himself towards them and sinks his claws into Ashfur's pelt, trying to drag him away, but is surprised on how strong Ashfur is. Ashfur lets go of Squirrelflight, turns to Rootspring, and snarls with rage, "Warriors are like rats! No matter how many I kill, there's always another waiting to steal from me!". Rootspring sees murder in Ashfur's gaze as he swings at Rootspring's face, a blow so hard it sends Rootspring reeling away, crashing against a rock and knocking the wind out of him. There's some blood swelling in his eye, and he gasps for air.
As Squirrelflight scrambles to try and get away, but her legs buckle beneath her. Ashfur begins padding towards her. Squirrelflight tries to lash out at him, but he ducks under the blow and grabs Squirrelflight by the scruff. Growling ominously, he begins dragging her down the spiral of dimple paw steps, down towards the Moonpool. Rootspring tries to catch his breath, but his vision is blurred with blood. He tries to shake it away and staggers after Ashfur as he drags Squirrelflight's limp body to the bottom of the hollow.
The Moonpool is reflecting starlight, and Rootspring stares in confusion as Ashfur wads into the water, dragging Squirrelflight in with him. Rootspring thinks he's going to drown Squirrelflight. He stumbles after them. Ashfur pushes deeper into the pool, his eyes glittering with triumph as, with a grunt, he presses Squirrelflight beneath the surface and disappears after her.
Rootspring reaches the edge, hardly able to believe his eyes. As he panics, he plunges into the Moonpool and recalls the time when he nearly drowned in the lake. Ignoring the memories, he circles the pool, wading in to try and find the bodies of Ashfur and Squirrelflight. When he finds nothing, he goes deeper and dives down. His eyes sting as he searches for them among the dark water, but nothing is there. He wails that they can't have simply disappeared, but the Moonpool is empty, and he is alone. He struggles to the edge of the Moonpool, catching his breath and shaking water out from his fur. He wonders where they had gone. He feels shock when he wonders how any cat could believe what he had just seen. He stares at the Moonpool, beginning to shiver. He realizes with horror that Ashfur was alive, and had taken Squirrelflight to a place where only the dead could reach her.
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