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Post by spasticjazzhands on Mar 16, 2020 12:33:38 GMT -8
THE FULLY TRAINED FROSTPAW ( 059 )
LAST MOON “Whoa, what happened?” Starlingsky stared at the mountain of prey Mambasnap’s patrol had just added to the fresh-kill pile. “Were they just jumping into your claws?”
Mambasnap shrugged. “I don’t know. Every once in a while I seem to catch more prey than usual; it’s pretty odd.”
“We’ll take what we can get I guess.” Starlingsky shook her head. That was really odd.
PRESENT Wojtek walked along a small abandoned dirt trail. It looked like long ago, cats had trampled the grass so much that nothing grew anymore. He had already passed a run-down cemetery and avoided any cats that were scented there. Wojtek didn’t like the sight of the crumbling stones and wanted to settle down somewhere with less manmade objects. He eventually wandered right into another clan’s hunting patrol. Or it should have been part of a hunting patrol, but he ran into two mollies heavily flirting with each other. Wojtek had wanted to ask them about their territory he had wandered into, but now felt like he was on intruding something private. “Even though, I only have one eye, I can only see a future where I’m with you.” One of them murmured to the other. “Will you grant me the greatest pleasure of being my mate?”
“Of course, love,” The other molly responded.
“Hey,” As soon as Wojtek spoke, the mollies spun around with their claws out, “I just wanted to know if there was a good place to take up shelter nearby.”
“Oh,” The mollies looked relieved that no fight would take place, “We can take you back to the cabin, I suppose.” Wojtek accepted. He was a bit disappointed that he would be around an old, human cabin but felt that he had to at least check it out after ruining a special moment.
Gloryrise and Tigerstrike snoozed the afternoon away. Lilacdawn was outside socializing with the queens and elders, and the two co-parents were curled up on opposite sides of the nest with all six kits snuggled between them. The new parents only woke when a couple kits started to stir. “Can they always stay this little?” Tigerstrike licked the closest kit. He was getting better at telling the three black kits apart; he had licked Riverkit.
“They better grow and finally allow me back on hunting and border patrols.” Gloryrise nudged Morningkit who was now crushing her tail. “I’m sure they’ll be glad to be back running around in the sand too. It’s very shaded here.”
“Oh, right…” Tigerstrike always knew this wasn’t a permanent thing, but he had grown to like the new routine they had. And he loved being surrounded by small kits all the time. “When are you going back?”
“Probably this moon.” Gloryrise started to groom herself. “I miss the desert sun.” She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “What? You thought I was going to change my mind and stay here? No offense but ScarabClan is much better.”
“We’ll agree to disagree on that last point,” Tigerstrike snuggled back into the kit pile. “I didn’t realize I’d miss you guys as much as I will.”
Gloryrise hid her soft smile. “You made our stay much more tolerable.” She sighed. “Pick what one you want.”
Tigerstrike tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
“Pick which kit you want to stay with you. It’s not like we’re short of kits, there’s six to choose from.” Gloryrise said. “What about Morningkit? She’s even a tortie.”
“If Sunstar can be a single father, so can I. Morningkit will have a safe place here in TwistedClan. And any of the others too…and you.” Tigerstrike’s fur grew hot and uncomfortable. He bent down to lick Morningkit to avoid Gloryrise’s gaze.
“I’m glad,” Gloryrise simply said, “TwistedClan has been surprisingly welcoming.”
“Everyone’s more upset with Sunstar at the moment,” Tigerstrike shrugged, “I feel bad, but I’m glad it’s him and not me.”
Frostpaw quickly led Weaselstar through the budding underbrush. They had spent three nights finding shelter out of the new-leaf rain and were on the homestretch now. “We’re getting close?” Weaselstar asked, slightly out of breath. Frostpaw nodded. He would finally see Mountaintop and Wishbone! And he would also have to start training Volépaw like a proper medicine cat apprentice. And advise Sunstar with dreams and any possible evidence that the Craze had made another appearance. Now that he thought about it, he liked being only a medicine cat apprentice more.
Lynxshine and Lilacdawn’s current mission in life was to convince Fritillarystreak that having kits and relationships outside of the clan was not a dishonorable death sentence. Lynxshine was personally surprised that Fritillarystreak was being so stubborn; when she first came into the clan, she was quiet and seemingly respectful of everyone else. But like Lilacdawn suggested, her ways were already heavily set in stone and couldn’t let go of older traditions. “Ya gotta lighten up,” Marsh interrupted. “Who cares who biologically contributes for kits? As long as they’re loved, it shouldn’t matt’r.”
“If their mind is split between clans, they’ll make rotten decisions here that affect all of us.” Fritillarystreak argued.
Lynxshine thought about Weaselstar of RavenClan. He did float around in her thoughts during the day, but she didn’t think that prevented her from being loyal to Sunstar and TwistedClan. “Frostpaw!” Mountaintop yowled. Now their attention was on their returning medicine cat apprentice. And…the ginger Abyssinian was excitedly following close behind.
“Weaselstar!”
Wishbone got to Frostpaw just as Mountaintop tackled him to the ground. “How was it? Did you finish your training? Do they believe in StarClan? Were they nice…or?” Mountaintop flicked his eyes towards Weaselstar that was standing behind.
“They’re good.” Frostpaw pushed the older cat off and shook out the dirt now covering his fur.
“You were gone for so long.” Wishbone said. “I’m Wishbone now.”
“Did you get a new name already?” Mountaintop asked. Medicine cats had different naming ceremonies than the rest of the warriors. Would RavenClan already have given him a name? Frostpaw shook his head. “I wonder what it’ll be.”
“You have a very enthusiastic welcoming committee.” Weaselstar observed. “I’m Weaselstar, leader of RavenClan. We enjoyed hosting Frostpaw, along with Marsh and the others earlier.”
Finally, Sunstar approached the growing crowd. “And I am Sunstar of TwistedClan. I send my deepest appreciations for taking care of my clan members like your own. I’m sure that we will be the first to help if RavenClan is ever in need.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Weaselstar smiled and looked around the camp. “This is a cozy little space here! Very homey.”
“I’m sure you are tired from your journey. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like,” Sunstar paused, “well, as long as it takes you to rest.”
Weaselstar dipped his head. “Thank you.” He looked around camp, this time more closely. Most of the clan was now out in the open staring at the new cat. “TwistedClan is a lot bigger than RavenClan.” He started to backtrack, “Not that RavenClan is too small or weak or anything like that…”
“It’s fine,” Sunstar chuckled, “We’ve been in this forest for a lot longer than you; it makes sense that we’re more established.” He took a few steps back. “I’ll let you get settled, and I have to discuss the future with Frostpaw. Don’t worry, no one here will bite…too hard.”
Weaselstar was now turned loose to freely mingle among his new allies. He automatically looked for the friendly faces he knew from Marsh’s patrol. The first cat he recognized was the snappy apprentice Ashpaw who was the only other cat he knew that could compete with Riversnap and Droserathorn’s attitude. While she wasn’t his favorite cat to interact with, it would be nice to see how she was doing back with her brothers. “Hey, Ashpaw!” He greeted cheerfully, “Remember me?”
“It’s Ashshroud now,” Ashshroud snapped.
And how would I know that? Weaselstar kept his unsavory comments to himself. “That’s great!” He said instead. “That’s a fine warrior name.” Then he became distracted by a white tom that looked a lot like Snowdrift back in RavenClan. “Sorry, I was staring,” He said to the cat, “You just look like someone I know.” He was only met with stony silence.
“He’s deaf, dummy.” Ashshroud snickered from behind. “Windchill can’t hear you.”
“Oh,” He dipped his head in apology to the deaf tom, “Remember Snowdrift?” He addressed Ashshroud again, “I was going to tell him about the similarities between them.”
“When I came back I thought she had followed us here.” Ashshroud said. “They do look a lot alike.” Ashshroud scrutinized Windchill again. “He’s not stupid,” She continued, “Tell him about Snowdrift. He can read lips alright and a good few gestures go a long way.” Before Weaselstar could ask for help, she turned and left. He followed her path with his eyes and saw who he assumed were her two brothers.
Weaselstar turned back to Windchill. He pointed to him and then himself. “You look like a cat back where I’m from.” He mouthed carefully. And after a while, he thought they came to a conclusion. Windchill and Snowdrift were littermates!
“You’ve missed a lot,” Sunstar remarked as he drug Frostpaw away from their clanmates. “Volépaw successfully delivered a few litters. I accidently announced that Rainsong had an affair a long time ago. Ashshroud, Featherflurry, and Hollyshade finally received their warrior names. You know, just normal clan things.” Frostpaw nodded. It seemed that his quietness had followed him back from RavenClan as well. “So, you are fully qualified to be a sole medicine cat now?” He nodded again. “Perfect. Then we shall have your ceremony sometime soon.”
“It’s different than warriors’.” Frostpaw said.
“Yes, I was thinking about escorting you to the Moonpool.” Sunstar explained. “I can stay away from the pool if you wish. Since Galalight isn’t here to perform it, I figured I’d let StarClan work this one out.” That sounded good enough to Frostpaw.
“Oh, your sister is in RavenClan?” Sunstar said in between licks to his own chest. He was getting better at communicating with Windchill. “That’s so cool! I don’t know where my own siblings are…they’re probably dead.” Windchill scooted closer to Sunstar and rested his paw on his. I’m sorry, he said with his movement. “It’s alright,” but Windchill was too close to see what he said but he understood Sunstar’s purring just fine.
Weaselstar spotted Marsh from across the clearing and briskly pushed past cats to get to him. “Marsh!” He waved his tail in excitement. “How’re you doing? Lionpaw and Marshpaw really miss you…along with the rest of the clan, of course.”
“Doin’ just fine,” Marsh blinked happily. “Joints are a lil stiffer, but I can’t complain.”
“And Lynxshine, how are you doing?” He turned to the only other cat sitting by that he recognized but was surprised with her belly heavy with kits. His surprise must have been written across his face because she nervously chuckled.
“I’ve gained a bit of weight since you last saw me, huh?” She tried to look casual.
“Oh, that’s just extra fluff and not…kits…?” Weaselstar stammered.
“No…I am pregnant.”
Marsh shuffled the other two cats away with a wink. Weaselstar didn’t know what that meant. “Right…sorry…” Weaselstar wanted to run back to RavenClan, resting be damned! His stomach churned. Even though they were not an item or mating pair, he still felt betrayed thinking about how she was having another tom’s kits. “Congratulations, who’s the lucky guy?”
“YOU are,” Lynxshine laughed, and this time it was a real laugh. “I thought you figured that out.”
“Next time, you’re going to have to really spell things out for me,” Weaselstar relaxed now knowing that another cat didn’t have a claim on his special molly. “That might be better for the both of us.”
Phoenixfire was thankful that Starlingsky accepted her request and put her on a patrol that excluded Ashshroud, Featherflurry, and Hollyshade. Though, that did mean that she was off her regular hunting patrol and was now stuck patrolling the borders which most cats did not want to do. It’s not like patrolling the borders was difficult; it was just boring for the most part. And if it wasn’t boring, it was dangerous. Luckily this patrol was neither boring nor dangerous. “Do you smell something…someone?” She asked Beetlebuzz quietly.
“Featherflurry isn’t around, don’t worry,” Beetlebuzz cackled at his own joke.
“I’m serious…” Phoenixfire looked around. “I swear there’s a new cat nearby.”
“I’m right here!” A playful squeak surprised both of them and her tail was pinned to the ground by sharp kitten claws. As Beetlebuzz recovered from his scare, Rabbitear and Phoenixfire questioned the little kitten. They learned the only name she knew for herself was Chunk and she was all alone. Thus, Chunkykit was welcomed into TwistedClan…and into the Orphan Gang.
Sunstar did admit that having another leader in camp felt strange. Even though Weaselstar was the nicest leader Sunstar had met to date and he kept respectful boundaries, it was just weird. He wished Starlingsky well as he and Frostpaw left for the Moonpool. “If you don’t come back, we already have a leader ready to go.” She joked, sensing his confusion about Weaselstar.
“Ha, ha,” Sunstar rolled his eyes, “Very funny. You can’t escape becoming leader that easily.”
“I would like to stay as deputy, thank you very much.” Starlingsky said. “Chances are, you’ll outlive me by a long shot and I’m happy with that.”
“Let’s aim for both staying alive for now.” Sunstar flicked her with his tail. “Coming, Frostpaw?”
“Would you like me to come in with you?” Sunstar stood at the entrance of the Moonpool cave.
“You’re not supposed to be here.” Frostpaw explained.
“Yes, well since this is a special circumstance I wasn’t sure.” Sunstar deflated a bit. “I’ll stand guard then.” Frostpaw nodded and trotted down the rocky path to the Moonpool. The moon was already high in the sky and reflected nicely across the calm waters. He laid down and put his muzzle to the Moonpool like he did with Galalight so long ago.
“Hello, Frostpaw.” Galalight was the first to greet him when he opened his eyes. “You could have let Sunstar come down here, you know. We aren’t that strict.”
Frostpaw shuffled his feet. “I wanted it to be special.”
Galalight licked his cheek. “You’re always special, don’t worry.”
“Are we doing this sometime tonight or next year?” A gruff voice interrupted their moment. “Let’s get a move on.”
“Oh hush, Spottednose.” Galalight dismissed him with a flick of her tail.
“You die and suddenly you think you can boss me around?” Spottednose snapped but Frostpaw could tell he was enjoying his time with his former apprentice. “Ridiculous.”
“We’re waiting for another cat to show up anyway,” Galalight said. Frostpaw was confused. He was certain there was only two medicine cats before him, and they were standing right here. “Oh, here he is. I’m glad he understood my message from earlier.”
Frostpaw turned and saw Droserathorn making his way up to the medicine cats. “Didn’ mean to keep you waitin’.” He said. “Riversnap kept twitchin’ and keepin’ me awake.”
Spottednose scrutinized the oriental, mainly his accent. “Frostpaw, are you sure you could understand what this cat taught you?”
“Have him treat you himself then,” Droserathorn snapped, “Oh wait, yer already dead.”
“I, Galalight, former medicine cat of TwistedClan,” Galalight spoke over the two arguing toms, “call upon my warrior ancestors…including myself…to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with our help, he will serve TwistedClan for many moons. Frostpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between clans and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?”
“I do,” Frostpaw said.
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Frostpaw, from this moment you will be known as Frostthorn. StarClan honors your resilience and eagerness to learn, and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of TwistedClan.” Galalight licked Frostthorn’s ears in excitement. “You’ve grown so much.”
Droserathorn gruffly ruffled Frostthorn’s fur. “I enjoyed teachin’ you; yer a bright lad.” He muttered. “If you ever need any help, I’m always a cemetery away.”
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Post by spasticjazzhands on Apr 28, 2020 20:33:27 GMT -8
THE PAST CAN RESURFACE ( 060 )
LAST MOON Weaselstar snuggled his wife and their two new kits. They had decided on the names Swankit and Minkkit, and to be honest, they were adorable. Lynxshine licked him awake. “It’s your turn watching the hoodlums.” She whispered. “I can’t feel my legs and I’m starving.”
“Eat here with me,” Weaselstar said quickly.
“I need a break,” Lynxshine laughed. “You don’t have kits begging you for milk every hour of the day.”
“But for just a moment,” Weaselstar said, “Life is more colorful when I’m with you.”
The sun slowly rose and shed light on two toms: father and son. “What do you think of the name Tornadosong?” The ginger tom asked. Though he was smaller, he was the older cat, though wiser could be debatable.
“A fine name,” The black bicolor responded, more curtly than both would have liked.
“Would you prefer Rainsong’s name remain unused?”
“Of course not,” Patchnose shook his head, “It is fitting she is named after our mother.” He watched the shadows move making way for the morning sun. “I’m thankful that my warrior name wasn’t Patchmask.” He eventually added.
Sunstar’s ears perked up. He made sure to never bring up the Patchedmask situation himself but was glad for a chance to talk about it. “Wasn’t my call to make then,” He said, “though I’m sure Morningstar had…suspicions, she never pried any further than necessary.”
“Names are more powerful than all of us assume, I think.” Patchnose continued. “Though Tornadopaw I’m sure will enjoy feeling closer to Tornadosong, I sometimes wonder what memories are better left behind.”
“Any particular examples come to mind?”
“Darkmist for one. I don’t see mist being used as a suffix anytime soon.” Patchnose said.
Sunstar frowned. “Right about that one. And come to think of it, leaf hasn’t been used either.”
“What’s wrong with -leaf?”
“The first deputy of TwistedClan, a self-assured molly, was Copperleaf. She was killed in a dog attack, but Spottednose never trusted her. He was adamant that Copperleaf poisoned Morningstar and took her first life.” Sunstar explained. “I’m sure when we’re all long gone and forgotten, any names could be used without much meaning.”
“If TwistedClan is still going.”
“Pretty macabre today, huh?” Sunstar nudged him. “I only wanted to ask you your opinion on Tornadopaw’s name and…” He stopped himself. “I hope I haven’t dampened your day.”
“And what?” Patchnose pressed. “You know I’m not going to let this go.”
Sunstar sighed and regretted ever even thinking of talking about his own personal feelings. He felt guilty of feeling hints of attraction towards another cat that was not Rainsong, and now that the moment of putting those thoughts into words was here, he was scared. “I have never stopped loving Rainsong,” He started out slowly working up courage, “and I don’t want anyone to think that I have.”
“It’s alright,” Patchnose interrupted, he was more intuitive about emotions than Sunstar. “No one will think any less if you took on another mate.”
“Mate is a strong word right now,” Sunstar stammered, “I just wanted to know if in the future….”
“Don’t keep Windchill waiting too long.” Patchnose smiled, “Everyone deserves their happiness.”
“What’s your happiness going to be?” Sunstar asked. He didn’t like being called out so suddenly. He would like to think his private feelings were private and not so obvious.
“I’m not sure,” Patchnose shrugged. “At the moment, I’m content. I’m figuring some feelings out on my own. Nothing particularly romantic,” He added when he saw Sunstar light up for a second. “Just revisiting early memories, especially with Petalfall and Dovestrike.”
“I never meant you any harm,” Sunstar sincerely said, eyes cloudy with emotion, “I have always seen you three as my kits, and I only hope I was good enough.”
“All I could have hoped for.”
Fogfield and Mistgale practically pounced on Weaselstar as they shoved their way into the nursery. The RavenClan leader looked up clearly expecting his mate returning with breakfast but was pleasantly surprised by the familiar faces. “Come to meet the cuties themselves?” He promptly pushed Swankit and Minkkit closer. “Look at their paws, how cute they are. Look at how their fur sits just right, clearly future superstars.”
“Adorable,” Fogfield quickly glanced at the kits. “How’s Cypresstail?”
“Has he been lonely without me?” Mistgale asked.
“Without me?” Fogfield stepped on her sister’s paw. “I bet camp is quiet without us to keep him company.”
“Not too quiet,” Weaselstar was still staring at his kits, oblivious to their true intentions of this interruption. “Another group has identified themselves close by and we’re figuring out how to do the whole neighbors sha-bang.”
Lynxshine finally returned with a full belly and legs stretched. “I see we have visitors.” She gently hip bumped the sisters out of the way and towards the exit.
“Asking about RavenClan!” Weaselstar continued happily. “We have to keep our alleys open for allies.” He chuckled at his own rhyme. “I can’t wait for when our kits are older and roaming around the old cemetery. So much history there! Also fun rocks to jump on, if they don’t crumble under paw.”
“That’s what we need to discuss actually.” Lynxshine said. “I’m still choosing TwistedClan. We can decide which kit will go with who…”
“I want Swankit.” Weaselstar blurted out. “She has your kind spirit, I can feel it already. She’ll be best friends with Droserathorn and Riversnap’s kits, I promise. I’ll make her.”
“Don’t get too ahead of yourself,” Lynxshine was glad he wasn’t focusing on having to leave her and Minkkit behind. She had a feeling it would be hard on all of them to separate eventually. “You can’t force friendships.”
“I’m her father and their leader. They. Will. Be Friends.” Weaselstar insisted.
“Oh, if you need an extra pair of paws around to keep Swankit safe on the way back, I could see if Sunstar would let me accompany you,” Mistgale interrupted. Fogfield sent her a scathing look.
“I didn’t think about travelling with her alone…” Weaselstar’s eyes widened. “How do I keep a little kit alive by myself?”
“You’ll be fine,” Lynxshine assured him, “But perhaps another set of eyes would be good for the first lone trek.”
“Let all cats able to climb a tree gather here below!” Sunstar gathered the Clan. Tornadopaw shook, partly from nerves and partly from excitement, next to him.
“Tornadopaw, do you promise to uphold TwistedClan’s traditions and to protect the Clan with your life?” He asked his daughter.
“I do.” Tornadopaw said.
“Then, I give you your warrior name, Tornadosong. Remember that true love cannot be stopped no matter how much you try.” Sunstar rested his muzzle on Tornadosong’s forehead while TwistedClan cheered. “I hear Rainsong cheering all the way from StarClan,” He muttered and licked her head. “Petalfall, Dovestrike, and Sandkit as well. We’re all so proud of you.”
Tornadosong’s eyes shown with tears. “I love my name, thank you.”
“You’ve earned it through and through.”
PRESENT Windchill waggled his hind end, using the gusts of wind he was sure was covering up most of his sounds to successfully tackle Sunstar. He was happy to break the leader out of his uneasy pacing. Windchill had a rough time deciphering exactly what the panicked leader was cursing, but the general consensus was “Ah, I’m startled!” You’ve been too tense, a furrowing of his brow and flick of his tail said. Sunstar looked away sheepishly. Windchill nudged him, tell me.
“I just really like spending time with you…when you aren’t terrifying me.” Sunstar said. That all? A flick of Windchill’s eyebrow asked. “I just really like…you.” Sunstar admitted. Windchill had never purred so loud. He just so happened to like Sunstar really too.
This time Thundercry had dragged his brother along for a fishing lesson. Lightningflash and Thundercry were now fishing experts, or at least as much of fishing experts birding cats can be, and he wanted to show off his skills. The three all laughed at how soaked Stormheart quickly became and walked away with no fish but fun memories. They also walked away with the knowledge that Squirreltuft and Chipmunknuzzle were becoming a pair.
Frostthorn stood frozen watching a small fluffy silver tabby stumble around by the river. She was surrounded by older warriors Frostthorn didn’t recognize along with a young Stormheart and Willowbranch. He was sure young Thundercry would be nearby. The silver tabby collapsed with concerned cries ringing through the clearing. “Cloudpaw!”
Frostthorn was jolted awake by Volépaw shaking him. “Rabbitear and Beetlebuzz got stung by bees.” Volépaw explained. “We need dandelion, right?” Frostthorn nodded, still slightly shaking from his nightmare. He had no idea what it meant but it couldn’t be anything good. Replaying all of the night’s events through his mind, he supervised his apprentice while he carefully removed the stingers and wrapped the wound with the soft dandelion leaves. Volépaw looked to Frostthorn for approval and received a tired nod. “You’re going to have to rest for a moon,” Volépaw continued, still keeping his mentor in the corner of his eye.
“Will these retched lumps go away?” Rabbitear pawed at a rather large lump on his shoulder. “They’re sore.”
“They’ll go away faster if you don’t mess with them,” Volépaw batted his paw away. “Just forget they’re there.”
“Easy for you to say,” Beetlebuzz grumbled but it was mostly good-natured.
As the lumpy warriors dispersed, Volépaw turned back to Frostthorn. “Did I do alright?”
“Fine,” Frostthorn said. Volépaw accepted that was as much as he would get from the silent medicine cat for the morning and meandered around eventually finding himself a spot by Somni and Quailcall. What Frostthorn really wanted was to ask around about a cat called Cloudpaw. He deduced she had been one of Birchwhisker’s kits and doubted she made it to warrior age. Instead, he was interrupted by an excitable Mountaintop and a less energetic but still just as happy Wishbone.
“Frostthorn!” Mountaintop yelled. “You’re a true adult now! We’re taking you somewhere special.” Wishbone shrugged with an amused expression on his face. He couldn’t talk Mountaintop out of having an outing. He figured it must have something to do with the weight of Frigidthorn’s promise hanging on his mind, but Wishbone had never even met the guy though it did affect Frostthorn immensely.
“We’re going to the Sunning Rocks by the river.” Wishbone explained. Frostthorn relaxed a bit now at least having a little hint of what was happening.
“You’re spoiling the surprise,” Mountaintop laughed, “But I figured we all needed a breather.”
Ghostpaw and Lostpaw were particularly nervous for their warrior assessment. They did not have the greatest track record of learning skills quickly and feared somehow screwing their test up. “You should wait a couple moons to take it with us,” Dawnpaw suggested. “Can we work together on some of the tasks?”
“Don’t be dumb,” Quakepaw shook his head, “That defeats the purpose of the assessment.”
“If we fail a couple times, we won’t have a choice,” Lostpaw said nervously.
Quakepaw shot him a kind smile, “Don’t worry, you’ll do just fine.” Lostpaw visibly relaxed. The two brothers were called over by Tornadosong for a few pointers before the assessment.
“What are you doing flirting with Lostpaw?” Dawnpaw poked her brother. “You said you liked Tornadosong yesterday and even said you shared a vole.”
“Well, I do like her,” Quakepaw shrugged, not knowing the best way to explain his feelings, “but I think I like Lostpaw too.”
“You can’t choose both,” Dawnpaw pouted, “That’s not how mates work.”
“What do you know about mates?” Quakepaw scowled. It wasn’t often that they fought. “Just because you’re not brave enough to talk to anyone doesn’t give you the right to complain about my friends.”
Dawnpaw’s eyes filled with tears. “If that’s how you feel, then I won’ bother you again.” She spun around dramatically.
“That’s not what I meant, Dawn,” Quakepaw said exasperated, “You’re not listening to me!”
“Then go talk to someone else,” Dawnpaw huffed and squeezed behind the cabin to shimmy away into the bushes.
While Frostthorn hadn’t wanted to spend the afternoon at the Sunning Rocks, he wanted to ponder his dream, he certainly wasn’t about to give up the warmest rock. Mountaintop was content enough to have successfully dragged both friends out here and quietly settled on a higher rock, a great place to listen to the drama unfold below. “For StarClan’s sake,” Wishbone hissed, “You didn’t want to come. Shouldn’t you be collecting herbs anyway?”
“No,” Came Frostthorn’s snappy reply. He slowly stretched and positioned himself on the flattened rock just right. “Seeing Wishbone’s disgruntled face, Frostthorn patted the area next to him. “Here.”
“I don’t want that spot,” Wishbone muttered but curled up there anyway.
“Glad you two are back to normal,” Mountaintop teased from his perch. “You can thank me later.”
Frostthorn wasn’t sure what the tom was specifically talking about, but he had some guesses. Trying to change the topic, Cloudpaw wandered into his thoughts once more. “Mountaintop, do you remember an apprentice called Cloudpaw?”
Mountaintop thought for a moment. “I don’t think so,” He decided, “Who is that?”
“I’m thinking one of Stormheart’s littermates.” Frostthorn explained.
“If she died before they received their warrior names, she must have died shortly before I was born.” Mountaintop said. “I’m sure Crowtalon would know; you’ll have to ask him.”
It seems Frostthorn should…
Crowtalon was checking Eaglescreech for ticks when the medicine cat prodded his memory. “That was long ago,” Crowtalon remarked, “Mallardwing had just accepted the role of surrogate for myself and Valleyrunner…” He sighed, clearly remembering the good times with his old mate. “Cloudpaw had gotten a bite from a fox during a training session. Blossomfall, another younger molly, had bled out before we got her back to camp. Cloudpaw survived but died of dehydration a moon or so after.” Crowtalon said. “It was a little strange but that’s what Spottednose said and we never had a reason to doubt him.”
Frostthorn debated on telling Sunstar about his dream or not. His intuition told him Cloudpaw hadn’t really died from dehydration; he was sure it was the Craze, perhaps one of the first deaths from it. He looked to the edge of camp where Sunstar, Windchill, Patchnose, and Tornadosong were eating together. No, he thought, I’ll see what StarClan has to say for themselves first. Let them be happy for a moment more.
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Post by spasticjazzhands on Aug 25, 2020 8:20:06 GMT -8
THE TIME FOR LOVE ( 061 )
LAST MOON Patchnose really didn’t start out on his walk with a hope of a potential partner; he really was trying his best to remember his earliest memories possible. Did Rainsong and Sunstar seem tense when they were kits or was that just his knowledge now tainting the past? Was it a dream that he and his sisters had taken a long walk and met a cat in the woods? When Patchedmask first appeared in the middle of camp, was there a flicker of recognition from all of those moons ago? THUNK. “Where’s your mind these days, Patchnose?” Dawndapple, the dilute calico molly he’d secretly been visiting for many moons, booped him on the nose with her paw.
“Sorry, just thinking about family.” Patchnose sat beside her on the dirt.
“You’ve been doing that a lot lately,” Dawndapple observed, “and you still haven’t told Sunstar about our visits?”
“He has enough on his plate,” Though Patchnose still felt a sharp pang of guilt run through him. He had been outright lying to his poor father who was only trying to be a more present figure in his life.
“I understood when we were just fishing and talking,” Dawndapple rested her tail on his, “but we’re kind of serious now. I’ve seen your forest and even met your younger sister, and I’ve brought you to view IslandClan, though from afar.”
“It’s a daunting swim for someone who only uses steppingstones over our river,” Patchnose shrugged as Dawndapple broke out into laughter. “But you’re right, I need to tell Sunstar.”
“What about what we talked about last time?” Dawndapple stopped chuckling but her voice remained soft and light.
“I think that’d be great,” Patchnose grinned, “And good news to break to TwistedClan. A small family that’s all ours sounds perfect.”
Mountaintop flicked his tail watching Lostpaw and Ghostpaw’s warrior ceremony but was distracted by Chunkykit fidgeting so much that Neritefang had to come up behind her and force her into a sitting position with her paws. Mountaintop almost turned to Frostthorn to snicker at the excited kit but remembered he was sitting at the base of the Ceremony Tree as medicine cat with Volépaw to his right. Mountaintop also found it rather humorous that Volépaw was much larger than his mentor especially with his curly fur. Frostthorn was past his growing spurts and would remain small statured for the remainder of his life, though that didn’t mean anything after all, Sunstar was smaller than the average tom himself. Mountaintop joined in chanting the new warriors’ names, Lostpath and Ghostshiver, but continued to watch Chunkykit fidget. Her apprentice ceremony was next. She rushed to climb to the lowest branch to join Sunstar but needed a boost from Volépaw to scramble up. “Chunkykit,” Sunstar’s whiskers twitched, “it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, you will be known as Chunkypaw, and your mentor will be Mountaintop.” Sunstar paused, allowing for the surprised Mountaintop and Chunkypaw to touch noses.
“Congrats,” Frostthorn muttered as Mountaintop passed him. He grinned despite still feeling a twinge of survivor’s guilt. How different would it have been to have Frigidthorn standing here instead receiving his own apprentice alongside his brother? Twilightpounce and Raventalon were in ChessClan along with Valleyrunner and Crowtalon had finally settled in with Eaglescreech. It should have been me.
Night fell quickly over the twisted forest and Volépaw watched Frostthorn recount seeds and shuffle herbs around with no particular reason. He had noticed how tired the tom was looking like in the mornings and wondered if he wasn’t experiencing some type of insomnia. “When I don’t feel like I can fall asleep, I like to repeat all the common usages of herbs and where they can be found in the forest,” He offered up helpfully, “but I only see results when I am lying down resting.”
Frostthorn shot him an annoyed glare and continued sweeping through the medicine storage. His paws carefully ran underneath a thick root where the poisons were kept. After counting them under his breath, he sighed and finally retreated to his nest. “Do you have dreams?”
Volépaw almost answered of course as every cat had dreams but he had a feeling those benign dreams were the kind Frostthorn meant. Instead, he thought of all of his previous dreams that felt just a little too real and nodded slowly. “Not those dreams very often.” He admitted. Were special dreams something a medicine cat should be having regularly? Did this StarClan not accept him as an apprentice even though he hardly remembered, or tried to forget, his time with Ernest’s rogue group?
“What were they?” Frostthorn pressed.
Volépaw was suddenly nervous. This seemed like a training session but one that mattered a whole lot more than hunting or stalking. “Usually related to things that would happen eventually. Not exactly, but I used to have dreams as a kit of some sort of celebrations with lots of cats. It was like when Ernest was killed, and we were accepted into TwistedClan.” He took a deep breath. “Sometimes I dream of Sage and her kits, but they’re older. They seem to be doing well.”
Frostthorn nodded obviously interested in what he was saying. “And what about omens?” His voice dropped to a whisper.
“Are those different than the…the special dreams?” Volépaw stammered. He didn’t know where this conversation was going anymore.
“Very,” Frostthorn carefully laid down resting his head on his paws.
“How so?”
“Dreams can cause a sense of comfort,” Frostthorn closed his eyes, “and omens cause anything but.” Volépaw sat in his own nest, waiting for any more information but Frostthorn was asleep, or at the very least pretending to be asleep. Now Volépaw was the one that was slightly weary of sleep and what it could bring.
Stormheart understood why a lot of the other warriors kept a certain distance from Softdapple but after resigning himself to becoming her hunting partner, he discovered she had a sort of charm to her. She was quick to laugh but getting her to drop the cute chuckles and start a roaring belly laugh was a sign of a great patrol. She was still ditzy and slightly clueless with things that should have been common sense, but she was a ray of light in a forest full of uncertainties.
PRESENT It was finally time for Weaselstar along with Swankit and Mistgale to depart for RavenClan. Only Mistgale would be returning leaving Lynxshine alone with Minkkit without her mate. Sunstar was arranging a small care package that they could take along for the journey as well as traveling herbs dispensed by Frostthorn but Lynxshine kept Weaselstar in the nursery. “I wish you wouldn’t go,” She couldn’t help herself from whispering. She knew this was inevitable but now that it was really time for him to leave, she almost couldn’t stand it.
“You could come with us,” Weaselstar murmured in return, but like Lynxshine knew that he had to go, he knew she had to stay.
“I’ll see you off,” Lynxshine compromised. They roused the kits and stepped out into the clearing where Mistgale was waiting. She would be an extra set of paws on the journey.
“It’s past dawn,” She yawned. Fogfield glared at her in the shadow of the fronds. She had wanted to tag along too.
“We’ll get there in plenty of time,” Weaselstar assured her and turned to Sunstar. “Thank you very much for your hospitality.”
“It’s been a pleasure,” Sunstar nodded his head, “These past few moons have been very helpful for possible alliances in the future?” Weaselstar nodded in agreement. “Of course, you and Swankit would be welcome to visit again anytime. Along with Droserathorn…we’re forever grateful he helped train Frostthorn.”
“I just might have to take you up on that,” Weaselstar nudged Swankit forward, “You’ll see your brother again,” He promised with a quick lick. Then it was time to say goodbye to Lynxshine. Sunstar casually backed up to give the two space. “I’ll miss waking up to your beautiful face.” He murmured in her ear.
"I’ve never wanted a family or felt like I was missing a piece in my heart but when I met you, I knew that I was destined for something larger than myself: loving you." She licked his cheek. “Please, whatever you do stay safe for me. For me and our kits.”
“Of course,” But Weaselstar’s heart skipped a beat and this time it wasn’t for any positive reasons. There was activity stirring in his part of the forest and some promises are hard to keep. “I’ll be waiting for you in my dreams.”
Sunstar did his best to not eavesdrop on the departing couple, but what he heard was really sweet and put him in a particularly romantic mood. He first remembered the explorations he and Rainsong used to go to but then his mind wandered back to a certain deaf tom. Patchnose was right; perhaps it was time to actually admit his thoughts to Windchill. Luckily, it looked like the tom in question was rising and getting ready for the day. Taking a deep breath, he marched over and stood authoritative over him, disregarding the fact that Windchill was a hair taller than himself. Windchill lazily flicked his tail from side to side, good morning.
“Good morning,” Sunstar tried to stop himself from tripping over his words as lip reading was a rather important form of communication, “I was wondering if you’d…like to be…mates or something…with me…” He shifted nervously, out of practice with love related things, but Windchill pressed against him and nodded. For a long moment, everything seemed alright once more, maybe he was back just as Sunchaser with limited responsibilities and his sole life ahead of him.
By sun high, Patchnose and Sunstar each had big news to share with the other and both of them grabbed a squirrel intending to share and discuss their major life events. Turns out they both could comfortably eat a whole squirrel, so post-lunch was spent sunning on flat rocks. “I finally told Windchill about…” Sunstar was the first to speak, “We’re mates now. Officially.”
“Congratulations,” Patchnose said sincerely. “Have you told Tornadosong?”
“Not yet, we only talked recently, and since you have been the one nagging me,” Sunstar said playfully. “She’ll be the next to know.”
“I also have something to tell you,” Patchnose said carefully, “I kinda-sorta have a mate myself now. Dawndapple of IslandClan. And she’s expecting kits.”
Sunstar rolled to face his oldest son. “All of this time I’ve asked if there was anything important going on in your life and you are hiding a mate behind your back?” He sounded hurt.
“We weren’t mates until recently.” Patchnose quickly said. “Tornadosong doesn’t even know we’re official now.”
“Now?”
“Tornadosong met Dawndapple a couple moons ago,” Patchnose admitted, “She just happened to be on a nearby hunting patrol.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sunstar’s whiskers and tail drooped. “I thought we promised no more secrets and you could tell me anything.”
“I don’t know,” Patchnose stammered, “I didn’t want to bother you with something that might never pan out. Honestly, we were only friends for the majority of time. You have a lot on your plate right now, especially right after Tigerstrike’s litter was born. I’ll tell you anything next time.” But Sunstar just shook his head slowly. The damage was already done.
Wishbone found himself spending more time with Frostthorn now that Mountaintop was focused on training Chunkypaw. It was strange because it made him think of when they first met and became friends but that also opened up his memory to the woes of Ernest. He turned to mention something about the past when Squirreltuft stood in the middle of the clearing of camp to make a very important announcement. Him and Chipmunknuzzle were mates and were expecting a litter of kits. “I want it to be known that I will be the first of my siblings to have kits,” He boasted, “so I expect all of you to be very impressed.”
“That’s not true,” Shrewfeather pointed out, “Robinripple and I have been mates for a couple moons.”
“I know that,” Squirreltuft said, “but you can’t really be magicking kits out of nowhere if you know what I mean.”
“Robinripple is actually pregnant,” Shrewfeather corrected, “Mousespeck helped.”
Squirreltuft turned to his brother looking shocked and betrayed. “You didn’t tell me?”
“Not my news to tell,” It was obvious that they were all having fun poking fun at their brother who was usually the one ribbing them.
“It doesn’t matter,” Chipmunknuzzle quietly pointed out, but Squirreltuft was slightly deflated anyway.
“Sunstar?” Patchnose poked his nose into the hollowed tree trunk where the leader slept. “I have an opportunity of sorts.”
“Yes?” Sunstar’s answer was short still annoyed by Patchnose’s lie.
“If you and Windchill ever want to have kits,” Patchnose said, “Dawndapple said there’s a molly willing to be a surrogate. Her name is Rimefrost.”
Sunstar was silent for a few moments and Patchnose debated leaving him to think. “I’ll talk to Windchill.” Came the response. Patchnose nodded even though he was out of sight. He had down all he could do.
Deergaze’s fluffy tail was perfect kit bait and Morningkit enjoyed chasing it for hours. Tigerstrike watched appreciatively. It was difficult to keep up with Morningkit’s attention span. Deergaze winced as the kitten’s fangs sank into her tail as Morningkit finally caught it. “You can always tell her you’ve had enough,” Tigerstrike reminded her and pulled back his daughter. “Don’t eat Deergaze’s tail.”
“It’s all in good fun,” Deergaze shook her tail inviting Morningkit to try again. Tigerstrike smiled watching the two play. Deergaze was very patient with Morningkit and he enjoyed watching them romp about.
Volépaw tried catching Frostthorn at inopportune times to spring omen questions at him only to be shooed away. He wanted to learn more about omens, what they were and what they meant, and what omen Frostthorn thought he recently had.
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Post by spasticjazzhands on Aug 25, 2020 8:22:03 GMT -8
THE LOST ARE FOUND ( 062 )
LAST MOON Carrotpatch was at the head of the evening patrol. Mountaintop wondered how he and Covergrass were coping while staying in TwistedClan. The brothers usually kept to themselves only joining in conversations that were small and casual. They had mentioned they had discovered their other sister, Warblercry, safe and happy in a clan called High Garden but still travelled for many moons looking for their last sister: Galalight. They were only a few moons late, but she had already been slain by the rogue group. He could almost feel the hopelessness of the two, but they seemed like solid warriors.
Mountaintop was still thinking of the early demise of Galalight when two shadows caught his eye out of the corner of his vision. Thinking of a big juicy hare, he turned but was confronted with two young adult cats that looked vaguely familiar. The taller of the two was a calico, her face, legs, and back riddled with scars and an indifferent expression. The other was a ginger tabby bicolor with small chunks of fur missing and an empty eye socket. Mountaintop was the only cat to notice the strangers at first and all three of them stood completely still. “…Sweetpaw?” His whisper could barely be heard over the gentle breeze.
The calico gave the tom a side look but decided to respond. “I’m not Sweetpaw anymore.”
Mountaintop couldn’t comprehend what he was seeing. “Sandkit?”
“I’m Scorch now.” The one-eyed tom said.
“We thought you were dead,” Mountaintop continued. “I’ll grab the patrol and we can all go back to camp!” He exclaimed. “Everyone will be thrilled to see you’re back.”
The two took a few steps back. “We won’t be coming back, right Jinx?” Scorch muttered.
“TwistedClan isn’t our home anymore,” Jinx said. “We haven’t lived there in 14 moons.” Her ears pricked up as Carrotpatch’s patrol was making its way back to them. “Listen, Mountaintop,” She said quickly, “We’re not returning to TwistedClan. Do you really want the others to know or let them be blissfully ignorant?” The two were gone by the time Carrotpatch had caught up.
“We lost you,” He huffed.
“Sorry,” Mountaintop muttered, “I got distracted.”
PRESENT Ashshroud had been lectured by Starlingsky once more for wandering further than necessary into unclaimed territory for hunting, so the first thing she did when she got reassigned to a hunting patrol was to wander even further away. It wasn’t like she didn’t respect Starlingsky as she was very patient as her old mentor, but she really found the daily grind of Clan life boring. She needed something to shake up the routine. It turned out another tom needed to mix up his life as well: Archtalon of BearClan. The tom’s snappy and sarcastic attitude was finally one to match with Ashshroud’s and she listened as he told the old beginning tales of BearClan with corrupt leaders and an overbearing threat of a bear. Ashshroud swapped stories as well telling tales of mysterious illnesses and deaths along with the harsh rogue group now called the Great War by the clan. They departed promising to meet on another patrol and was worth the scolding Ashshroud received from coming back to camp so late.
Mountaintop came to his final decision of telling Sunstar who he had discovered while patrolling. The leader was understandably shocked yet excited about the possibility of Sandkit and Sweetpaw still alive. While Mountaintop did say the two weren’t keen on coming around a large group of cats, he left out the part where they denounced the forest as their home. “I’ll announce it at the apprentice ceremony today, along with welcoming our three new clan members,” Sunstar said excitedly, “That way every patrol can keep an eye out.” Mountaintop wasn’t sure this is what Scorch and Jinx would have wanted but there was no going back now.
“We have a busy ceremony ahead of us,” Sunstar prefaced, “Today we welcome Hopkit, Brindleblizzard, and Dustpaw into TwistedClan along with Morningkit getting apprenticed. First, Dustpaw, your mentor will be Featherflurry.” He allowed time for them to touch noses. “Now, Morningkit, it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, you will be known as Morningpaw, and your mentor will be Deergaze.” Sunstar paused again, allowing for Deergaze and Morningpaw to touch noses. “Another area of business is a short sighting of two cats by Mountaintop.” Mountaintop sank lower as the entire clan shot him confused looks. “He reported that Sweetpaw and Sandkit were spotted on a patrol. Hopefully if we keep our eyes peeled, we can give them a warm welcome back into the clan.” Excited murmurs filled the clearing. Oakbreeze ran over to Mountaintop to begin questioning him about his sister. Mountaintop had forgotten that Oakbreeze was originally the sole survivor from his family and felt guiltier about not explaining how reluctant the two were coming back. Sunstar pulled Patchnose and Tornadosong closer to discuss Sandkit in more detail. TwistedClan obviously wanted their two clanmates back that were taken from them, and Mountaintop was the only one who knew how that would go down.
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Post by spasticjazzhands on Aug 25, 2020 8:24:00 GMT -8
THE MEDDLING OF TWOLEGS ( 063 )
LAST MOON Oakbreeze was on high alert; according to Mountaintop and Sunstar, Sweetpaw was still alive. She was snatched along with Sandkit during the Great War and were assumed dead after listening to tales from the leftover rogues. Sniffing high and low, he came across a shiny small den with a good smelling substance in it. This peaked his interest as this was a new thing, maybe a new rogue thing? He crept inside and heard a loud metallic sound behind him, and the contraption slammed shut. No matter how hard he clawed at the cold walls or no matter how much the rest of the patrol bit and pushed, he was royally stuck. The moon was halfway in the sky when Sunstar called it off for the night. Patchnose shoved a mouse in between the slates and wished him good night. When they came back to find him in the morning, he and the portable den was gone.
“Let all cats able to climb a tree gather here below!” Sunstar’s normal call wasn’t as happy as usual, he just had to let the clan know that Oakbreeze was taken, but normal naming ceremonies still had to be performed.
“First, Vicus is ready to be apprenticed. He mentioned he would like to keep Vicus, but if you want a suffix at the end of your apprenticeship just let me know,” Sunstar smiled to the young tom. “Vicus, your mentor will be Quailcall.” He let the to touch noses before moving on to the warrior ceremonies. “Quakepaw, do you promise to uphold TwistedClan’s traditions and to protect the Clan with your life?” Sunstar asked the excited tom.
Quakepaw’s tail was waving as he nodded. “I do.” He responded.
“Then, I give you your warrior name, Quakescreech. Remember that your lineage is important no matter where it leads.” Sunstar rested his muzzle on Quakescreech’s forehead while his sister scrambled up and took his place. “Dawnpaw, do you promise to uphold TwistedClan’s traditions and to protect the Clan with your life?”
“I do,” She was just as confident as Quakescreech.
“Then, I give you your warrior name, Dawnpelt. Your father, well one of your fathers, died defending the clan and I see his strength in you.” Sunstar rested his muzzle on her forehead while TwistedClan cheered the new names. When both Dawnpelt and Quakescreech were on the ground Sunstar added a quick, “And we pray StarClan shows Oakbreeze the way back to TwistedClan.
PRESENT “Is it weird seeing your surrogate kits become warriors?” Stormheart asked Softdapple. There were no signs of prey close by so it was safe to have a full conversation.
“I guess, though I don’t think it’s as weird as Mallardwing might feel,” Softdapple replied. “Since Richterscreech took his two kits back to ChessClan and Nightpelt died before they were ever born, I raised them more or less myself. But Crowtalon and Valleyrunner took full responsibility of Mountaintop, Raventalon, and Twilightpounce right away.”
“That’s true,” Stormheart paused, “I once thought about settling down with Quietstep when she first found us. I don’t know if you remember her, but she was killed by a stray dog along with Minnowflash.”
“You haven’t found anyone else since then?” Softdapple asked oblivious to his growing feelings.
“Not really…” Stormheart shook his head as if shaking off bad memories, “…should we try to find some food, no?”
“I didn’t think parents were really allowed to train their own kits,” Tigerstrike said.
“You aren’t doing the training,” Deergaze reminded him, “You’re coming along to watch because I’m nervous.”
“You’ll do just fine,” Tigerstrike reassured her. “I don’t want to make Morningpaw nervous by being there.”
“Hide in a tree,” Deergaze jokingly suggested but paused when she noticed Tigerstrike actually looking up at the branches, “I wasn’t serious.”
He leaped and scrambled up on a low branch, “But I’m serious,” He smirked and climbed a bit higher, so he was pretty concealed behind a dense splash of leaves.
Deergaze rolled her eyes but hid her smile. She felt a bit guilty asking Sunstar about assigning her an apprentice with Morningpaw being the next kit old enough, but she really was meshing well with Tigerstrike and she wouldn’t trade that for anything. “About time,” She greeted Morningpaw with a big grin excited for her first training session, nerves long forgotten. “Let’s start with some basic sparring!”
Tornadosong was getting very discouraged as Sandkit had not been spotted again and Oakbreeze was still nowhere to be found. His scent had completely disappeared overnight and was replaced with the stench of two-legs. She tried to bring up her concerns with Patchnose, but he was a bit too focused on Dawndapple and her kitting happening sometime soon. On the monotonous patrol, she had time to think about her father’s new mate: Windchill. The tom was nice enough, and she was excited at the prospect of having new siblings, but it still felt odd. But, she wasn’t certain if she could ever see Windchill as another father to her. It felt wrong to think like that, but she couldn’t help it. “You guys smell something strange?” Moosebellow tore her out of her mind. “Like a cat but not?”
“It’s Oakbreeze!” Patchnose had spotted him through the trees. “Oakbreeze! You’re free?”
“I think so,” Oakbreeze was slightly twitchy, “I was taken into two-leg dens and was poked a lot. They even cut my ear.”
“They’re gone?” Sunstar sniffed around but there was no fresher scent around.
“They dumped me back at the start of the forest.” Oakbreeze said. “I didn’t realize how close they were to our forest. It’s unsettling.”
“I’ll alert everyone to stay away from weird silver traps.” Sunstar promised. “Though I’m very glad we have you back!”
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Post by spasticjazzhands on Aug 25, 2020 8:27:00 GMT -8
THE BONDS THAT ARE TRYING TO MEND ( 064 )
LAST MOON Jinx, formerly Sweetpaw, flicked her tail. The TwistedClan border was marked twice as much now, but they knew it was to show they were available if they needed them. Scorch, formerly Sandkit, sniffed and wrinkled his nose. “Yuck, too much Sunchaser.”
“He’s Sunstar now, you know,” Jinx said softly. She knew the younger tom had been poisoned more about their old home; he didn’t remember life in TwistedClan due to his young age when they were kidnapped. “I wonder how Morningstar died…”
“Who cares? They aren’t our family anymore,” Scorch raked the dirt with his claws. “Or did you forget the lack of patrols searching for us?”
“Did you forget how we’re all alone again?” Jinx whispered. This was true as well; the rogues were no more family than TwistedClan. The first sign of trouble (an illness that took out half the rogues and caused infighting) sent them packing once again. The two were alone.
“We don’t need help anymore,” Scorch shrugged, “We’re the only family we need.”
Volépaw was bending down to grab a mouse when a lump of fur crushed him. “Get off,” He huffed and rolled to the side trying to shake his assailant off. Another set of paws shoved him down and he was dragged to the edge of camp. After a few sharp bites to ankles and cursing, Volépaw shook dirt from his curls and was surprised to see Wishbone and Mountaintop. “Sorry,” Mountaintop apologized, “I told you this was a dumb idea,” He said off to the left where Frostthorn emerged. The medicine cat just shrugged.
“You did alright,” Wishbone said which was high praise from the former rogue.
“What was that for?” Volépaw looked at his mentor indignantly. He had already mastered fighting a long time ago; when Frostthorn was gallivanting with RavenClan to be exact, leaving him to deal with pregnant queens by himself.
“What would you do if you were taken?” Frostthorn asked quietly. “Would you roll out of their clutches only to stop and stare at them?”
“I figured I was safe with Wishbone and Mountaintop,” Volépaw couldn’t stop his annoyance from slipping into his tone. “I doubted I was going to get murdered by my own clanmates.”
“They could have been strangers,” Frostthorn hissed, “You need to be constantly vigilant!”
“I’ll keep that in mind for when I try to get a bite to eat next,” Volépaw finished dusting himself off. He’d had enough of Frostthorn and his paranoia for today. “I’ll be sorting herbs and doing actual medicine cat things if you need me.”
“I told you he wouldn’t like being assaulted,” Mountaintop repeated.
“We got assaulted more like,” Wishbone licked his bleeding paws.
“It’s necessary.” Frostthorn said.
“I don’t know about that,” Mountaintop looked to Wishbone for support but received none. “Volépaw is twenty-one moons; I think he’s just frustrated at his -paw status.”
“Galalight intended to keep me at apprentice status for a long while,” Frostthorn’s voice was getting tired from speaking so much. “Just like Spottednose wanted. But she was ripped to shreds. While I’m still in one piece, he’ll study under me. Enough talking.” He ended his short speech with an angry tail flick.
Mountaintop opened his mouth to argue but Wishbone silenced him with a look. Frostthorn ignored them and went ahead. “Kidnapping isn’t some foreign concept,” Wishbone muttered, “if it happened to me and Frostthorn, it could happen to you too.” He followed the grumpy medicine cat still limping from Volépaw’s bites. Mountaintop shook his head. Frostthorn may have won Wishbone’s full confidence, but Mountaintop’s only goal was to keep him safe and not participate in fake kidnappings. He chastised himself for playing along. I have to take a step back, he thought, I can watch from a distance. I have to start living my own life.
PRESENT Softdapple sat next to Stormheart dipping her paws and tail in the shallow river. “I can’t believe Sunstar and Windchill outsourced their kits from IslandClan.” Stormheart said. “Would you ever become a surrogate for a couple outside TwistedClan?”
“I already halfway did that,” Softdapple shrugged, “and sent two kits off to ChessClan. Though I’m not sure if I’d have another litter for other cats. I think I’d like to have kittens of my own before anyone else at least.”
“Me too,” Stormheart pressed into her, “I mean, I’d like to have kittens of my own.” Softdapple nodded but didn’t say anything. Stormheart thought she looked rather hurt. “I mean, I’d like to have kittens with you. If you want. I really enjoy your company. Talking with you is the most I’ve felt alive since Quietstep…sorry, I didn’t mean to bring her up.”
“I would never wish for you to forget your past as long as I’m your future.”
Lynxshine sat watching her son’s apprentice ceremony. The selfish part of her wished Weaselstar wasn’t leader of RavenClan; she wanted her family together celebrating their apprenticeships in the same clan. However, she was pleased that Minkpaw was assigned to Pheasantscar; the older tom seemed like a solid warrior. As TwistedClan chanted “Minkpaw! Minkpaw!” a disheveled Patchnose burst into camp.
“Dawndapple and Rimefrost both had their litters!” He announced still out of breath. “Dawndapple had three and Rimefrost had four.”
“We need names, son,” Marsh pressed, “Ya can’t just come here without any names.”
“I have two sons and one daughter,” Patchnose said proudly. “The tom that will eventually come to TwistedClan is named Daffodilkit. The other two staying in IslandClan are Honeysucklekit, that’s the molly, and Gladioluskit.” He looked to his father who was still in the Ceremony Tree. “Rimefrost is waiting for your input for her litter.”
All in all, it was a pretty happy day.
Sunstar’s mood shifted the next morning as his mind reeled thinking of ways to lure Sandkit and Sweetpaw back. Maybe lure wasn’t the right word as he wanted them to come back completely by their own volition but that kind of is what he wanted as well. Then he could give them their warrior names, forgetting about their loner stint as Scorch and Jinx forever. As he anxiously shifted, a pair of bright blue eyes blinked awake and found his. Windchill purred and curled closer. “I can’t wait for you to meet Sandkit.” He said even though Windchill could only tell he spoke by his body vibrating. “I can’t wait to see my kit again.”
Volépaw watched the sun rise with tired eyes. Lately neither of the medicine cats had been getting much sleep though Volépaw was only kept up by Frostthorn’s twitching and groans. He watched his mentor carefully throughout the day and noticed him moving slower than usual except startling at unexpected noises and fast movements.
Each member of Sunstar’s patrol had a rabbit hanging from their jaws. Hurt feelings could be reversed by food, right? Right?
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