ame
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Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 17:34:34 GMT -8
Maple's Background Maple sat away from her siblings, they were all playing and laughing, even though their mother had just passed away nights before and soon after were abandoned by their father. They tried to get her involved and her foster parents would worry, she could see it when they tried to talk to her. The young molly glared at her siblings, how could they be so carefree?
A few moons like this she eventually grew to resent her littermates, now even denying that they were related to her in the slightest. She completely ignored them and was even more distant, now that she find her own food, scraps left by two legs really, but it worked. Maple stayed alone with her anger and hatred, thinking of the day she would leave. The way her foster parents talked, it would be some time. They refused to teach her how to hunt for herself, how to defend herself because of their beliefs. They often talked about forest living in a clan of cats, strong and fierce. Yet they would not teach kits the basics of life till they thought they were ready? Such fascinating stories turned sour after that and she rolled her eyes everytime she heard them.
Maple lashed out, her claws raked the ground and a growl was in her throat, frustration. It wasn't until Maple heard that low chuckle and a deep voice that sent her hair on end, "What do you have to be so angry about, spoiled kittypet?" The young molly whipped around to see a large tom, covered in scars and a missing eye, staring at her with a wicked grin. He spoke again and she slowly backed away even though the only movement he made was with tail flicks, "You better answer me before I eat you." he threatened with a growl.
Maple believed him and stumbled on her words, "I-I... it.."
"Spit it out!" The tom yowled, his patience was non existence and it was something she would grow to learn.
"My family! It's them, they never care." Maple meowed quickly, afraid of the tom. He moved closer, she wrinkled her nose at his scent, definitely not pleasant, but she didn't move. He sniffed, she of course thought it was weird, but he moved away and circled her. Maple not once stopped looking at him and moved with him, she then noticed he stopped right in front of her way back. Blocking her almost. No, not almost, he did.
"The weaklings behind me? Protected by that couple? They make them weak, they make you weak. And you are weak for letting them." He spat.
"I'm not!" Maple meowed.
"Oh? Prove it. If you can get back to them, I'll let you live, and those precious parents of yours. If you can't... then.." he grinned and didn't finish. An evil glint was in his eye now, he very much enjoyed this game. Most kits failed and tried to run away, he would end them there. On occasion he would get a few promising kits, some escaped him but others eventually turned out like him.
Maple's eyes grew wider, she knew she had no chance. Yet she still took a tentative step towards him, he now moved into a defensive position, another step. Maple watched as the tom slowly moved towards her, he was twice her size and mostly muscle, she was not even full grown. When he was just a whisker length away from her he raised his paw and went to strike, stopping only a sand pebble before hitting her. He let out a snort, "Run home kitty pet, say goodbye because I will be back for you." He promised before turning away and disappearing around the corner.
Maple ran back, as fast as she could, tears running down her face. She was scared, when will be the last time she will see her family? Will she get to grow up? So many questions flooded her that evening and throughout the night.
Maple spent a moon begging for her foster parents to train her. To show her how to protect herself from the scary tom, but they just laughed and said it was a nightmare. They didn't believe her. Her siblings did not either, and instead of trying to include her, they left her out. It was to late for her to try and get close to them again. Abandoned, lonely, and wishing the worst is how she spent her days now.
Maple slinked away one day, when she was sure that tom would have forgotten.
Wrong.
He was waiting for her, Maple was only out for a single second before she found herself pinned to the ground, "I've been waiting kitty..." he hissed in her ear. "Time to go." His claws dug into her back as she squirmed and let out a cry, "Now are you going to follow like a good kitty? Or will you fight me? Though if you fight, I am sure I will have more fun."
Maple cried out, "No! Don't kill me! P-please, I'll do anything!"
He chuckled, "You don't have a choice kitty." He chomped down on her ear, tearing it. Maple yowled in pain, no longer focusing on the claws in her back, but the warmth flowing down her ear. She tried her best to push up and wiggle free, it was to no use though. So she went limp, and just cried.
"Broken already? Not fun." The evil tom grumbled, "You will address me as Sir, you will be kitty. Get up and start walking, I don't trust you to follow just yet, so walk that way first. From now on, you will do as I say, or you will get hurt even more." He pointed a paw towards the way he wanted her to walk. She took a careful step that way and walked slowly. He growled, "Speed it up kitty..." he warned. She listened of course.
That evening was the last time she saw her family.
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Maple has spent moons now with Sir, she refused to forget the name her mother gave her. It was the only thing she held onto these days.
"Look here kitty, see that?" Sir was looking at a strange cat she has never seen before. "Watch me closely, how I move and what I do."
Maple nodded and watched as Sir stalked that cat like they were prey, they dipped their head into a fallen silver bin before Sir pounced. Sir raked his claws into that cat's back and bit the side of their neck before that cat could even let out a yowl of pain. It didn't stop Sir though, he brought his claws up and slashed at the cat's eyes and face then whipped around quick enough to dodge the feeble counter attack that the cat did.
The cat tried again but Sir stepped back just in time, a smile of enjoyment on his face. Sir then shifted and clearly exposed his side, the cat took it and managed a small patch of fur from Sir before being shoved by Sir. Maple's mentor had somehow knocked the stranger on the shoulder, but then Maple saw the blood in the fur. She closed her eyes and looked away now, not wanting to watch anymore.
Sir glanced at Maple and growled, he told her to watch. She would pay for not listening later, he would make sure of it. He got tired of this fight now, he knew this cat was young and very inexperienced, not to mention that this cat had been starving some time. His informants were right, best to put the weak out of their misery. Sir exposed his side again and this silly cat went for it once again, instead of letting the cat get to him he struck the cat's paw out from under them and sent them crashing to the ground. He didn't waste time before pinning the cat down, he growled to Maple, "Open your eyes Kitty! Now!" He boomed.
Maple shook her head but eventually opened her eyes to see Sir pinning a struggling cat. Sir bent down and bit down on the cat's neck, hard enough to block the airway. It wasn't long before the stranger stopped moving, lifeless. Maple watched on in shock, her eyes didn't move from lifeless body either while Sir moved.
Sir creeped up behind Maple and shoved her towards the body. "Tell me what you see." He spat at her. "You refused to watch how I fought, so now you will tell me what you see."
Maple started to cry, "I don't want to get close! You- you killed them!"
Sir snorted, "So what, the strong survive and the weak die! Look kitty!" Sir spotted Maple's head towards the stranger before continuing, "This cat was starving, if anything I did them a favor."
"B-but..." Maple saw the cat's thin appearance. "Killing? Why?" She just couldn't understand why he did it. Why?
Sir rolled his eyes, "You will do this one day, you will have to. So get used to the death, the smell and sight." It was then that Maple knew what Sir's scent was. He was covered in the scent of death.
Sir spent the next couple of moons training Maple how to fight. The molly grew accustomed to watching and learning, as he would go into many fights. He never seemed to lose though and most fights ended in a death. Maple grew to know death, Sir would force her to tell him about the death or to play out the fight to him. She once put sarasim and a splash of sass, but he fixed that immediately. It's why she hasn't done that again and she just tells him what he wants to hear, the way he wants to hear it.
Maple learned how to hunt for herself by watching Sir a couple of times. He refused to catch her food, it helped her learn fast because he wouldn't even let her scavenge scraps left by upwalkers. To be honest Sir has taught her so much in the past couple of moons, almost everything. She just couldn't figure out how to get away from him, to free herself of him.
Sir watched Maple hunt one evening, he had just finished talking to one of his informants about a young weak cat that got lost. He thought it was perfect. Maple inched closer to her prey and Sir smirked, he jumped behind Maple and scared the mouse she was stalking, looks like she would not be eating tonight. Oh well.. He thought. “Kitty, time for a test.” he chuckled evilly, the glare from Maple stopped him though and it turned into a growl, “What did I say about looking at me like that kitty?” he hissed.
“You scared my food away! I was so close to it too!” Maple spat back, a mistake.
Sir didn’t warn her this time, he already has once before. He launched an attack at the molly, she wasn’t expecting it as it knocked the wind out of her. Sir was a tad shocked at the fight she was putting up, good she was learning. Stamina for fights would come in time though and he eventually wore her down. When he had her pinned down and choking he pressed harder on her throat, leaning into her, “Lose the sass kitty, I don’t deal with that.” He gave her a few more seconds before letting up. She gasped for air and coughed as she sat up, quickly apologizing to Sir. “Good, now that is over and done with, onto the test.” he muttered.
Maple nodded and sat there, listening. Sir didn’t bother to explain much, just said it would go like normal. He lead the way and did the tracking, he found the young cat rather quickly. Sir turned to Maple, “You will kill this cat.” he meowed simply.
Maple’s eyes went wide, “W-what?!” she whispered in shock.
Sir’s tail flicked and he started to growl with irritation, “Kill. That. Cat.” He space it out with annoyance. He shoved the molly in the cat’s direction, “Either way, a cat will die today. Them or you.” he meowed with a matter of fact emotionless tone.
Maple started to cry but had to hide the tears, Sir was tired of seeing them and said the next time he saw a tear she would lose her eyes. She very much loved to see. The molly shook her head and cleared her mind, trying to push herself to finish this task quickly. She stalked the cat like she has seen him do so many times before. She launched her attack when the cat was not paying attention and she put up a good fight, not showing off. There were a few times when the other cat almost had her and that scared her, not because she would be injured by the cat but if she lost to a weakling like this then Sir would kill her. He was much scarier than this stranger, who looked to be her age.
First mistake. She lost focus and the stranger started to get the upper paw. She was pinned by this cat and she took that time to steal a peak at Sir, he was watching with judging eyes. She had to do something. Maple pushed up as hard as she could and smashed her head against the stranger’s jaw. It shocked them and it got her free. She was slightly dazed and dizzy from the attack she launched but wasted no time in pinning the cat down.
Now what? Maple looked at Sir, she was sure she was pleading with her eyes. She did not want to kill this cat. Sir shook his head and mouthed, “Finish it.” she knew she had no choice.
“Please, what is your name?” Maple whispered, adding, “Quickly!”
“S-stan, p-ple-” The young tom began to plead for his life but Maple cut him short, she chomped down on his neck and blocked the cat’s air way. She has seen Sir do this many times and knew that Stan would struggle, but he didn’t. He just eventually went lifeless.
“Good. You could have done better though.” Sir judged, “Lets go.” he didn’t waste time on moving on. Maple however, would never forget Stan’s name and what he looked like. Sadness washed over her as the walked on, knowing she had no choice. Not until she could escape this tom.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 17:45:02 GMT -8
Maple & Calla's Background Maple has killed many cats now, taking the names of each of them, remembering them; Stan, Flower, Dess, Jazmin, Kate, Holly and Chase. Her list of names have grown and she was now numbing to killing cats. She became cold and distant to others, rarely talking to any cat. She didn’t trust any cat to get close to her, lashing out and scaring them away. She only killed when she was told to, knowing that irritated Sir the most. She didn’t care anymore. He could get mad. He could lash out an attack her, she was capable of protecting herself. He just would not leave her alone!
One evening Maple trotted off, declaring that she was going to hunt. She knew Sir followed her anyways, probably to make sure she didn’t try to run. She chose to hunt in upwalker gardens, she knew Sir hated this area and would hope he would leave. He stayed a good distance away and probably moved elsewhere, higher up most likely so he could still see her. What ever. She hunted around and tried to scent something, though she had no appetite. Maple eventually lost interest and just found a cool spot to lay down. A nap sounded nice, an afternoon without Sir was even better.
Maple dozed off under a porch of an upwalker’s garden. The molly opened her eyes when she heard faint meowing and scratching. She looked around to see a pretty orange cat inside an upwalker nest. Maple pushed herself up and looked around before moving closer to the clear wall, not saying a word. The orange molly on the other side, however, was not so silent, “Hello! Who are you? What’s your name? Why are you out there? How do I get out there? Can you hear me?” It went on and on and on. Maple didn’t answer a single question though. Still didn’t stop the talking, “Well, if you can hear me, my name is Calla! I live here with my people. They are quite nice! Every now and then their kits will come over and play and sometimes pull my fur and tail. It’s okay though, they don’t come around often. I’ve always wanted to go outside! I like to watch those fuzzy flying things, and those buzzing flying things. Sometimes the buzzing ones get inside and I get to catch them!” Maple felt a smile slowly form and it was an odd feeling, was this happiness? The molly laid against the clear wall and just listened, happy for the company that didn’t try to kill her or she would have to kill.
Maple saw Sir start to walk towards her, panic struck her and she shot up. She did not want Sir to know about Calla, afraid what he would do or say. The molly finally broke her silence and interrupted Calla, “I have to go, my name is Maple, and it was very nice to meet you Calla. Till next time!” She then just disappeared from Calla’s sight.
Sir nodded to Maple, “Time to go meet up with some friends.” Maple nodded and held her sigh, she hated these visits or meetings.
Maple spent a few moons visiting Calla occasionally and getting to know her more. Calla made Maple feel happy and maybe even love? It was hard to tell because she hasn’t felt these emotions in a long while. Maple also added names to her list while visiting Calla, just to keep Sir happy and out of her fur. Silver and Chester are the two new names, she started to recite them at night before she fell asleep, fearing that she would forget them.
Maple fell asleep while Calla chatted. At some point though she was woken up to the sound of a door opening, out came Calla. She acted like she has been outside many times and showed no fear. “You smell strange!” Calla told her.
Maple chuckled, “You smell sweet, just like I thought you would.” she countered. Maple didn’t let Calla get closer than a tail length away. “They let you out hmm?”
Calla nodded, “Sort of, their kits did! Silly little things.”
Maple smiled, “Stay close to here, it is dangerous out here for you.”
Calla did the exact opposite and explored without fear, “Why? You can protect me right? You said you can practically take care of yourself!” The orange molly smiled at Maple and it gave her a strange feeling inside. Maple returned the smile and followed Calla.
When Calla was far from her garden Maple started to feel uneasy, she knew Sir would be nearby and most likely watching. “Calla…” Maple whispered before her fears came to life. Sir was now in her view and he clearly saw the orange molly. “Calla, you need to go back!” she meowed with urgency.
What happened next was a nightmare to Maple, Sir launched an attack at Calla. Maple didn’t even think twice before putting herself in the way. Calla by now started to run back towards her garden, the door was still open and she went inside. Maple didn’t see this however as she was locked in battle with Sir. This time she had stamina and more experience and put up a good fight that seemed to drag on forever. Sir got in a few good hits and gave Maple gashes and patches of missing fur. Maple probably did more damage though, she had punctured one of his paws and it started to grow tender, she even scratched his one eye and it was getting difficult for him to see. Not to mention the scratches she had given him. They both backed away now, Sir growled, “This isn’t over kitty..” he meowed.
“My name is Maple!” The molly spat at him. They both backed away though, both exhausted and injured. Both wanting to rest, they left it as draw for now.
Maple knew he would be back, she focused on healing her wounds and watching Calla’s garden. For some reason Maple could not bare the loss of Calla.
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Calla approached Maple one day, the shock of almost dying and losing a friend was still in her mind. When Maple saw her Calla saw the smile on the molly's face and couldn't help but smile back at her rescuer. "Hi Maple!" she chirped.
"Hello," Maple replied, "You should have stayed inside, you know its dangerous out here." Maple scolded before looking around.
"Yeah, but I wanted to be with you." Calla admitted.
"I'm dangerous." Maple said seriously. "I would have left already, but I want to make sure you stay safe. Sir will be back." she warned.
"That's another thing, I wanted to see if you would like to go on a very long adventure with me?" Calla beamed.
"You mean move?" Maple questioned.
"Yeah! Just the two of! I was even thinking you could show me a few moves, you know to protect myself." Calla looked at Maple, seriousness in her eyes.
"You can't even hunt." Maple teased. She wished Calla could feel how happy this made her. "And what about your upwalkers?"
"They will be fine, I'm sure they will get another kitten or something." Calla looked back for just a second and the looked at Maple, "You could also teach me how to hunt! I promise it will be a lot of fun. And I am a quick learner! At least I think I am."
"Lets do it." Maple purred in happiness. "We have to go very far, so I hope you are ready." Calla nodded and the two set off on their journey, Maple teaching her how to fight and hunt along the way.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 18:15:42 GMT -8
Post 10 Scorn trotted after the scent trail he was on. He was starting to get irritated now, days turned into weeks and weeks into moons and he was still not able to catch the stranger that was just a paw ahead of him. No matter how hard he tried he could not get to the stranger.
The black tom paused for a second and scented the ground once again, it was already starting to grow faint as it was likely they were tip towing and moving quickly as well. Scorn looked in the direction he was going huffed before continuing on.
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Sugarfoot had been avoiding any cats, her focus was on the one scary cat that had been tracking her for moons now. She couldn’t get a hold on where she was as alley after alley she would get lost and go in circles. She felt like she couldn’t rest and she knew she only had few opportunities to hunt. It was truly a risk, and she did not want to stop avoiding it.
Today though she promised she would stop, but first she need to wear down this cat in case there would be a fight. She might be able to get away. Yes, she could fight but she hated to fight. When she was sure that the stranger was tired enough she started to slow down, she knew that would mean her scent would be heavier and set them on a faster pace. Maybe she would keep it going but she already knew she did not want to get caught like that. I she were to let them find her then it would be in a place where she had control.
So for the past few night Sugarfoot had spent a little time mapping the alleyways at night and made sure she knew a good spot that was open and had a few ways for her to escape. The molly had already started her plan early that morning and spent it all trying to wear them down. Sugarfoot looked up and saw that the sun was starting to go back down from sunhigh and she could even feel the soreness in her feet, now was a good of time as any. The molly closed her eyes and sent a silent prayer to Starclan before walking towards the hiding spot she found.
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Scorn sighed when he thought he lost the scent but then it hit him again and he was fueled to keep following. Sure he noticed that the scent was stronger now, but didnt care. He was to focused on finding this cat that has eluded him for moons.
A few turns here and there and Scorn found himself turning down an alleyway that split towards the end. About half way down he stopped when a voice spoke to him, “Why are you following me?” She asked.
“So you’ve know?” Scorn turned to look at the fluffy molly that was staring at him.
Sugarfoot shrugged, “I saw you moons ago and I see you a lot. I know someone was following me, I'm trying to leave but I don’t want to fight.” she went on to quickly.
Scorn shook his head, “I tend to avoid fights, I’m more of a… scout I guess you could say? I gather information and share it when I need or want to share it.” He meowed with a matter of fact tone.
Sugarfoot looked confused, “So you tracked me down for moons… just to see who I was?”
Scorn nodded, “Yep.”
Sugarfoot jumped down, “For a cat that prefers to do that, it sure did take you a while to find me. And just so you know, I could have kept going and made sure you would never find me.” she teased.
Scorn rolled his eyes, “Why didn’t you?”
Sugarfoot took a second to answer, “I wanted to get a break, I need to map out the area and it was hard to do on the move. Had to find this spot at night and that was tough.”
Scorn looked shocked, “I didn’t even know that…” he whispered. He knew everything when he tracked a cat. Why? How? How did she manage to sneak by him and get away with so much. This molly was way too intriguing and he found himself not wanting to leave.
Sugarfoot chuckled and meowed sweetly, “That was the point, silly. My name is Sugarfoot by the way.”
Scorn nodded slightly, “Scorn.”
Sugarfoot noticed that this tom was not of many words and she kind of liked that. Maybe he could show her around, he was a good tracker afterall. “Maybe you can show me around some? I’m not one to linger where there are two legs and monsters but I am sure you could help me learn?”
Scorn shrugged, he didn’t care much for company and tend to avoid others as best he could. He opened his mouth to say no but what came out shocked even himself, “Sure.”
Sugarfoot smiled, “It will be great! I don’t know how long I will stay but I can hunt and fight for myself so you don’t have to worry. How long have you in this area?”
Scorn scowled and started to walk away, Sugarfoot followed, waiting for his answer, “A while.”
Sugarfoot nodded, “How close have you gotten to a two leg before?”
“Not very.” Scorn meowed.
It went on like this for a while, where Sugarfoot asked long questions but Scorn would answer in a cold and quick manner.
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Maple wedge herself between Calla and the new tom, Heavypad, she didn’t like how their pelts would touch. Calla didn’t seem to mind or notice as she smiled at Maple before asking, “Where are we going?”
Heavypad looked at Maple as well, waiting for the answer. “To the pond, I’m hopin Finn will be there so he can meet Heavypad.” And hopefully get rid of this intrusive tom. Maple left that out for obvious reasons, but she didn’t trust this tom, heck she didn’t trust a lot of cats.
Calla beamed with happiness, “Maybe we can see Rust, Stone and Minnow! I bet they have grown even more since we saw them last!”
Heavypad shrugged, “Is this Finn your leader or something?”
Maple muttered quietly, “Not my leader..” she got louder, “Something like that I guess.”
Calla nodded, “He is very nice and helpful and I am sure you would like him. I like him! Goldenflower is pretty nice too, she likes to move around a lot. Her kits are like that too. Dotty is pretty serious about her training, always bugging Finn.” she chuckled before continuing on about the other cats she knows about.
Maple felt a slight sense of defeat as Calla went on, it was obvious that the orange molly loved them all and was happy here, if only Maple felt the same way. Maple did have one thing though and that was Calla and if she was happy then that was all that mattered.
Out of the corner of Maple’s eye she thought she saw a shadow of another cat disappear in the alley. She shook her head before the horrible thoughts could get in her head, it didn’t stop the worry though.
“Hey Heavypad, want to go hunting with us later?” Calla asked.
The tom nodded, “Sure, that sounds lovely.”
Maple faked a smile and forced the sigh away, “Sounds great.”
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 18:21:28 GMT -8
Post 11 Finnegan paced through the park, he was trying to see if Scorn would show up. After some time though there was no sight of him and it looked like Finn got his answer, Scorn did not want to mentor. He sighed and went back to the small group of cats, Winter even managed to make it here, but he knew he would need to escort her home later.
Finnegan walked towards Goldenflower and her kits, she had explained that in the clan life kits would be given a mentor during a ceremony and she wanted that for her own kits. He had never done this before so it was interesting for him, though he did not like the large gathering in the park, this could bring attention from up walkers and that was much to dangerous. So he had to get this over with and not let the cats linger to long. The tom cleared his throat with a small cough before speaking, “You will have to apologize, this is the first time I have done a ceremony. Not long ago three kits were born here in this park. I have watched them grow strong and knew that I need to find them mentors. After talking with Goldenflower I think I have found some suitable mentors that will do their best to pass on their knowledge.” Finn paused and beaconed with his tail for the kits to come closer.
The three young cats sprinted towards him and tripped over themselves with their eagerness. They giggled and smiled as they buzzed with excitement.
Finnegan smiled at them and then looked at the cats he had talked to earlier, the three stepped forward. “Duke, I have known you for so long. Your patience and knowledge would be best passed onto Stone. He has shown to be energetic and rambunctious but I think he would do best under your guidance.” Duke walked forward and touched his nose to Stone’s it was odd to him but Goldenflower insisted on it. He then stepped back into the gathering of cats, Stone by his side.
“I have not know him long but he is always moving and quick on his feet. Heavypad I believe you would be a great mentor to Rust, the young tom is highly energetic and inquisitive. I hope you can match that and find a way to teach Rust what he needs.” Heavypad stepped forward, he didn’t need instruction for this as he had already done so as a former clan cat. He touched his nose to Rust’s and the two went and stood next to Duke and Stone.
“Goldenflower recommended this pair and I am happy to say that Russentnose has agreed to mentoring Minnow. I haven’t seen much of Russentnose but I have been told that she is kind and patient and Minnow is just that.” Russentnose walked towards the excited Minnow and touched noses, the two then went and sat near the other newly made mentors and apprentices and listened to Finnegan go on.
“Leaf bare is here and the snow is now covering the ground, I want everyone to know that they need to not push themselves to far. Now that the kits are grown and begin their journey of learning what their mentors teach we don’t have a specific spot to be around. I want everyone to know that I will be around, don’t be afraid to ask others about my whereabouts.” The leader looked at the new apprentices, “Lostpaws now, may you learn what you need and more.” With that he ended the ceremony.
Winter watched as all the cats left, mostly in small groups. She sat and waited for Finnegan and she didn’t have to wait long as the tom came to her. “Are you ready to go home darling?” Finn asked.
Winter smiled at him, “I am actually, that was a very nice ending Finn.” she purred.
“Thank you.”
“Do you think my kits would have had the same thing?” Sadness was in her voice.
“Probably something similar, but they live the lives of kitty pets and that is different. I have been trying to keep a lookout but I haven’t found anything yet.” Finn meowed.
“I do miss them, they would be a little younger than those kits now.” Winter frowned, her kits were taken by the strange up walkers when they were just two moons old and it has already been a moon since she has seen them.
Finn nudged the grieving mother, “I am sure there is hope, you will see them again one day.” He moved off in the direction of her garden and she followed. The sun was starting to go down now.
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Maple watched Calla sit still as she had instructed at the water’s edge. Calla was in the shadows of the water and watched as the small swimming fish got ever so closer to her. Maple quietly meowed, “Now.” to Calla. Calla struck at the water and caused a large splash, but to her surprise there was a small fish barreling towards her and she caught it in her mouth. Calla beamed with pride and couldn’t help herself, she opened her mouth and said, “I caught it! Look Maple! I caught one…” she trailed off as she saw the once caught fish slide back into the pond. She frowned, “Well I did…”
Maple laughed, “You have to get it away from the water before you let it go!” she teased. Maple couldn’t stop smiling at Calla, to Maple it was the most adorable thing she has seen the molly do. The excitement Calla had was pure to her and she cherished the moment.
With new determination Calla stood close to the water like she did and waited...and waited...and waited.
Maple sighed and moved closer to the molly, “Fish tend to move away from the spot of danger so you will have to give it a bit. They are also fish brained and will forget danger so they will be back.” Maple encouraged.
Calla pouted, “I had one but I let it go, I must be fish brained..”
Maple gasped, “You? Naa.” she smiled “You just got excited, lets go do something else for a little and we will come back, okay?” Calla nodded and the two went into the trees of the park to work on their den some more. They planned on calling this place their home now since Goldenflower offered them to stay in the burrow she raised her kits in.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 18:28:18 GMT -8
Post 12 Applenose sat wide eyed as the monster bounced along, Pearpaw and Mothpaw were able to huddle together in the cage that they have been caught in. When the monster stopped they heard the upwalkers talk in their strange language. “I’m so scared..” Mothpaw whispered and turned her face into her brother’s pelt.
“Me too.” Pearpaw shivered. When the doors opened and the light came in Applenose hissed and swatted at the upwalkers as they grabbed the cages. The trio were taken into a building that was filled with barking dogs, they were quiet as they were moved. When they rounded the corner and the barking grew louder the cat's hair stood on end with the potential danger, it lasted for a second before going through a door, the noise was muffled then. That was when they heard the meows of other cats, they were asking to be let out. It was a frightening situation that made them all feel uneasy.
Applenose’s hair stood on end and she growled quietly, she needed to figure out how to get out with her kits. But when she was placed into a cage alone and away from them a sense of loneliness and dread washed over her. She was no longer confident that they would make it through this ordeal, fearing what would happen next and trying her best to push her horrid thoughts to the side.
Pearpaw and Mothpaw were put into the same cage, they didn’t hiss or swat at the upwalkers like their mother did, but the upwalkers wore something over their paws and it pulled their fur, causing them to cry out in pain. Mothpaw smooshed herself into a corner, her eyes closed tightly in fear. She was shaking and would let out a whimper occasionally, afraid to turn around and look at what was happening.
It was like this for the rest of the day, strange noises and poking and prodding from upwalkers. They were given dry kibble, water and a box of clay before it grew dark and eventually quiet. Applenose then moved closer to the entrance of the cage, her paws cold on the shiny surface that she stood on. “Pearpaw, Mothpaw!” She called out, panic and fear were in her voice.
“We are right here, they put us in the same one.” Pearpaw meowed. He stuck his paw out of the cage and tried to push it, no luck. Mothpaw stayed in the corner and cried. “Where are we?” Pearpaw asked Applenose.
The mother shook her head, “I- I don’t know…”
A stranger let out a quiet laugh, they had been listening, “You have never been here? This is a bad place. Sure they give you kibble and what not but things happen here. You only ever come here if you have been caught by an upwalker. They will poke you with sharps, sometimes they make you sleep. Sometimes you come back and sometimes you don't. What I have noticed is that the mean ones will not come back, so stop your hissing and swatting, whatever you do, do not bite them. Some cats will be here for a few days, upwalkers will come get them, specially if they have collars. Others are here for some time, I have been here a while. When I first came here they stuck me with a sharp and I woke up feeling different. I was told by another cat that I have been clipped and given herbs that make it hard for me to get sick. But they wont do anything else with me here, my companions have all left with different upwalkers, but I am here. Stuck forever.” he sighed and curled up.
Applenose shook her head, she had heard of clipped cats and knows that they can never have kits. That scared her, she and Mudspots had tried for kits before their capture and it worried her. “Don’t worry, we will get out of here. I will never stop looking for a way out.” Applenose meowed to Pearpaw and Mothpaw before sticking her paw out and touching Pearpaw. It was a small sense of comfort and they stayed like that, holding paws, for some time. The next morning the upwalkers must have seen them holding paws because Applenose was moved in with her kits and the three huddled together.
Days have gone by and they all went in and out with the upwalkers to get stuck by sharps or to just be touched and petted. They didn’t enjoy it but they all heard that stranger and what happened. So when they did see sharps they started to panic and move away from the upwalkers. Applenose was taken one day and they shaved her soft belly fur before placing a cold object against her, it was strange but she let them. Not fighting them anymore, fearing of not going back. They returned her to the cage with Pearpaw and Mothpaw and she told them what had happened. They took Mothpaw as well and she went through the same thing, however instead of returning her they stuck her with a sharp that made her fall asleep. The upwalkers did not return with her when they came for Pearpaw and the two gasped, Applenose let out a yowl and attacked the upwalker that tried to take Pearpaw. She did not want to lose them and she was going to fight for them. It was no use as she was pinned down by one of the beings and Pearpaw was taken. They didn't shave his belly and just stuck him with a sharp, making him fall asleep.
Applenose placed inside the cage, trying her best to see if she can see Pearpaw or Mothpaw. Chanting prayers to Starclan for their return. Other cats started to ask questions but she never answered and just kept to her prayers and pacing. After a few hours she could see them and she meowed their names, getting increasingly louder. They were asleep still but at least Applenose could care for them. She started to groom them and eventually noticed the cuts they had and the hard herb that kept them closed. Is this what it means to get clipped?
(Human perspective tid bit here for just a tidy bit, since cats don't really understand them)
"They have yet to be claimed by anyone, have we put them on the site for adoption yet?" The pound personal asked to one of their coworkers.
"No, the older female is expecting kittens and will need a foster till she has them. She will need to get fixed after too and I think they all need more human interaction before they are adoptable."
"They are young, they can learn. Put them up anyways, we need the space."
"But sir, we have that lady coming to take another pregnant cat. Maybe she can take another? Let me at least call and ask her?"
"Fine, but I want the younger two up on the site. "
Another worker came in, "Actually I want them to all go together, get that foster on the phone for me. These cats are close and it might be easier for everyone if they can just stay together. I did the spay and neuter for the younger ones and that other one was just so loud and angsty till I had someone bring them back."
The other two nodded and replied with a quick "Yes sir!"
(End of human dialog)
The following day the family were taken with another molly to an upwalker nest. They were all left in a room with the same kibble, water and box of clay. Applenose introduced herself to the other queen and they both shared stories of how they got there and the events that took place.
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Winter moved through the other gardens with ease, knowing which ones to avoid because of dogs. She liked to go to the one garden for the little calming pond. As she sat there, drinking the water she heard the door open and then close. She saw an upwalker but paid no mind because this one was known for being nice. Winter occasionally went over and let them pet her, her way of saying thanks for the pond.
Today however, out of curiosity she peered through the see through door and saw new cats, but before she could do or see much more she had to dart out of the way because the stranger wanted to pick her up. Only her people were allowed that privilege. She sat on the wall now and watched the upwalker go about their things before going back inside.
Winter gave it a few seconds before moving closer again, this time she got a better look at the cats. She let out a meow, "Hey!" They looked at her and a look of surprise came to them. The cat darted towards her and ended up running into the see through door.
Thud.
Winter shook her head as she watched the cat get up, "Can't do that." The upwalker came and checked on Pearpaw, who had run into the door. He let her touch her but didn't let her pick him up. When they went away Winter asked, "What's your name?"
The two introduced each other and Winter asked more questions. She learned that there was a family of cats in there and they were trapped. Winter promised to come back with some help and left to find Finn.
Finn wasn't hard to find for her, she was thankful for that and she explained what happened and what she saw. Winter showed the tom the garden she went to and from there they all made a plan of escape. Winter did provide the fact that the upwalker that lived here only opened the see through door once a moon.
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Duke and Russentnose had moved their nests closer together during leaf-bare, snow still covered just about everything in the little alcove they called home so it was crucial for the two to share each others warmth. Sometimes Russentnose buried her nose into Duke's longer fur and he didn't seem to mind. This morning she had woken up rather early, the cold had gotten through her fur and she was uncomfortable. So she got up and moved around and ended up going on a hunt, maybe to bring something back to Duke for a change.
When Russentnose was out hunting Duke woke up and looked around. It was snowing again and there was no footsteps left in the snow. He got up in a panic and searched, even woke up Stone and Minnow to ask if they had seen her leave, they had not. The tom grew frantic now and trotted out of the alcove, not even bothering with the apprentices. He must have gone through a few bends on the sidewalks before turning down an ally and practically running into Russentnose. He let out a sigh of relief while the molly grumbled to him, "I was so close to catching that bird and you just scared it away! I would have gotten us breakfast!"
Duke hadn't even thought about it and acted as if he didn't even hear her little rant, his thoughts made him feel lost and confused. Why was he so worried like that? Why did he care for her like this? What was going on? “I’m sorry.” he finally managed.
Russentnose huffed, “No point in trying again, this snow makes it hard to catch anything. Let's go home, maybe we can just train today?”
Duke nodded, but shortly after they started back he stopped suddenly. He had been quiet this whole time and Russentnose did notice the tension but didn’t ask him about it. When he stopped though, she turned to him and looked puzzled when she went to ask if he was okay he cut her off, something he has never done before, “Russentnose, we have spent some time together now and I think I love you. This morning when you were not there, I panicked. I didn’t know what had happened and I realized that I don’t want you to ever leave. I love your company, they way you can talk about anything and how you can be happy almost all the time. Your happiness is my happiness..” he looked her dead in the eyes as he said this.
Russentnose flushed and could feel the emotions coming off him, she couldn’t help but smile as he went on. “You are so sweet, I love you too Duke.” She nuzzled him and purred, he returned the nuzzle and licked her cheek before the two continued back to their apprentices, walking together happily.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 18:36:57 GMT -8
Post 13 Pearpaw paced back and forth in front of the food bowl, he had grown used to the bland taste of kibble that the twoleg gave them and he was starving. Ever since he was bare bellied he found himself hungry all the time.
Mothpaw watched her brother pace and meow for more food, “You need to stop eating so much Pearpaw. You are becoming to much of a kittypet, what are you going to do when we get out of here and you can't even catch some food?”
“That’s if we get out of here, and I am starving!” He complained.
“We will get out, we just need to watch for an opportunity and not the kibble bowl.” Mothpaw muttered. Just as she said that the upwalker that took care of them poured kibble into the bowls and patted Pearpaw, when they reached towards her Mothpaw swatted at them and hissed before darting away. Pearpaw didn’t pay attention as he started to scarf down the food.
In the other room Applenose talked with Mink, “So You’ve had how many kits?”
Mink shrugged, “This will be my fourth or fifth litter. I got caught on purpose because I didn’t want to raise them alone. My mate left without a word.”
Applenose shook her head, “I’m so sorry to hear that Mink. I was taken, but I got caught because Pearpaw and Mothpaw were captured and I just couldn’t let them do this on their own. And I know now that I am expecting.”
Mink shrugged again, she didn’t feel like talking to this random stranger and admitting that she wanted to be bare bellied like Pearpaw and Mothpaw. She knew that meant no more kits but she was fine with that. She had traveled far and wide and had enough litters of kits. She didn’t even stick around to watch them grow, she didn’t even know most of them. She left them with their father and when she couldn’t do that this time she needed to do something. So she decided to make them kitty pets and she would get out as soon as she could.
Applenose thought she would try to change the subject and ask, “Are you excited for your kits? I know I am. It sucks that Mudspots is not here but when I can, I am going to get us out of here and find him.”
Mink let out a sigh, “I guess, I’m not so good with kits. Just let them do whatever they want…” she trailed off, obviously not interested in the way the conversation was going.
Applenose looked so confused but part of her knew Mink would say something like that. She didn’t bring it up again and stayed to herself quietly.
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Scorn took the lead this time and was walking ahead, scanning the area and just observing his surroundings for anything new. He knew Sugarfoot was somewhere behind him, or so he thought. The molly had somehow managed to slip under his radar once again and when he turned to look back she was in front of him, when he turned around the two cat’s noses touched.
Scorn looked shocked and didn’t move for what felt like moons, noses still touching.
Sugarfoot just smiled and meowed sweetly as she pulled away, “Why don’t we walk together this time?” The tom just stumbled on words and ended up just nodding. As they began together the two cat’s tails twined together and Sugarfoot began to purr.
Scorn was left to his thoughts, mostly in amazement because he was always the one that snuck around, he was the one hard to find, he was the one that was always aware of what was going on. However Sugarfoot was ahead of him, he had trouble finding her, he had trouble keeping tabs on where she was. To him, she was amazing and he was glad that the two would be together like this till the end of his days.
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Calla and Maple had come back into the territory, the two have been meeting up with others outside of the territory and sometimes even bring them with. While Calla seemed to be so excited and even asked Maple, “Who do you like?” Maple would just shrug and ask the same to Calla.
Maple was happy that Calla was enjoying herself, though Maple would never admit that she loved Calla. She wasn’t interested in any of the toms they would go out and visit, she hardly even talked to them. Maple did learn more things about Calla and that is something she would hold onto forever, even though it wasn’t said to her, she would always pay attention.
The two mollies made it back to their nests inside of the abandoned garden that they called home. To their surprise they saw Finn there, Maple narrowed her eyes, “What are you doing here?”
Finn raised his tail, “Just checking on you two, you guys are in my neighborhood and I haven’t seen you guys in a while. How are you two doing?”
Maple nodded, “We are fine, just tired.” She meowed in a slight rush, obviously trying to get the tom to leave them be. Maple wanted to be alone with Calla now, the only cat stopping that is the flirtatious leader, she was tired of hearing that.
Finn nodded, “I actually need some help. See, this family was taken from their home and given to the upwalkers. Two of them have been bare bellied and the mother is soon to give birth. She fears for them and wants to get out once the kits are old enough. So maybe in a moon’s time. However, they are locked in an upwalker nest and I don’t know how to get them out.”
Calla was quiet, she heard about bare bellies and knew they would not ever have kits. It was Maple that talked to him, “Upwalkers keep cats like that as pets.” she meowed the last word like it tasted bad. “How are you going to get them out of that? They would need to be at the ready when doors open and just run. That will be hard with kits because they are slow. They will be used to upwalkers too.”
Finn nodded, “That’s why I want as many paws as I can get to help out. I am slowly coming up with a plan, I just need the extra paws.”
Calla spoke up this time, “I will be there to help, you just need to let us know when.” Maple held back a sigh, she did not want to help, she did not want to risk Calla getting caught. That seemed to be that though, Finn left with a nod, “Good night beautifuls.”
Maple was finally alone with Calla, “You want to help them, even though you don’t know them?” Maple asked, worry was in her voice.
“Of course I want to help. What if that was me in there? You would stop at nothing to get me out. We don’t know their story so we can’t judge them. We can help them though, they obviously want out or they would have never sought help.” Calla explained.
“I just don’t want you to get caught Calla. I care about you a lot…” she finally admitted it and Maple could feel her ears grow hot.
“Don’t worry Maple, I will be fine. You taught me so much and I don’t want to go back to that life.” Calla seemed to have taken Maple’s confession wrong and though Maple was a tad hurt, she didn’t care. With that the two curled up together and fell asleep for the night.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 18:46:37 GMT -8
Post 14 Dotty followed Finn, as usual, while he made his way around the territory. “Please can you show me how to do something today!”
Finn turned to his apprentice, “I don’t have anything more to teach you. My knowledge was basic, things I learned how to do. Now it’s your turn. You will learn how to cure different things and what not. You don’t need me anymore.” he explained.
Dotty looked shocked and taken aback for a split second, “w-what?” she stammered.
Finn nodded, “Yep! Why don’t you stay in my neighborhood for a while and sharpen your skills more here? I will send any sick, injured or pregnant queens your way if they need help. You can be the medic of my area. I of course, will stop by and say hello occasionally.”
Dotty just nodded, words did not come to her. She was done with training? There was so much more to learn. Things she has seen she was not taught how to handle, things she was sure she would fail at. How could Finn be done teaching her? So many questions.
Finn shook his head and sighed, it was just like Dotty to act like this. “Dotty, I know it is overwhelming and what not, but I will be here for you. I passed on what I know to you and these are the things I learned on my own. No one helped me learn these things. This way you can learn things and know what I know. It’s how it works. One day you will be better at taking care of other than I am. That is a good thing though. I did my job, now you just need to make it better.”
Dotty sniffled, “I will Finn, I can still ask you questions right?”
Finn chuckled, “Of course you can..” he licked her cheek affectionately. “Now, go do something else, you are scaring all the mollies away and I want to mingle.”
Finn watched Dotty leave, she was not watching where she was going and he noticed, but he didn’t need to worry as she was in the heart of his territory and he was sure he saw Scorn and some other cat earlier. The leader then continued on his way, walking in no hurry.
An hour had seemed to pass and he decided it was a good time to take a rest, just then a cat pounced towards him but Finn was quick and moved out of the way. The stranger was puffed up and hissed, “What are you doing following me!” He didn’t give Finn anytime to reply before swiping at the leader. Finn was not lucky at avoiding this and received a scratch across his nose.
Finn growled, “You're on my territory and you have been for the last week! It is my responsibility to know who is on my territory at all times!” he spat. “Who are you and what do you want?!” Finn didn’t lash at the stranger, not wanting to fight but wanting answers.
“My name is none of your business and my reason for being here is none of your business either.” The stranger growled.
“Then leave.” Finn meowed coldly. A warning.
“You going to make me?” The tom taunted.
Finn didn’t reply as he launched his attack, he tackled the cat to the ground and the two went at it for what seemed like an eternity. Evenly matched and healthy, however it was the stranger that pinned Finn down. The stranger went for Finn’s throat but before he could Maple barreled into the stranger’s side and pinned him down. Her claws sinking into the toms pelt as Finn watched, dazed.
“Why are you here Mocha?” Maple growled. “Did Sir tell you to follow me? I left for a reason!”
“You know how it goes Maple, you shouldn’t have left Sir like that and just killed him.” Mocha meowed.
“He lived?! I didn’t actually think he lived. I left him in a bad state.” Maple looked shocked.
“You know as well as I do that Sir would not die. You know I am a tracker and you know why I am here.” Mocha smirked.
Maple let out an audible gasp, her thoughts flooded her and she no longer concentrated on keeping Mocha pinned. He took that opportunity and flung her away, she landed on her feet, claws scraping against the concrete. “He can’t!”
Mocha chuckled, “Oh, he can. I’ve been looking for you for moons, your scent was strong in this city and I found you. You and your little kittypet. Sir told us that you betrayed him, you didn’t obey. You know what happens if you go against him.”
Maple nodded ever so slightly, “I know…” she whispered. Fear was in the mollies eyes now, she knew what was coming and she knew Sir was going to send more.
Mocha smirked, “You know, I am the only one here right now.. Maybe you can change my mind? Maybe you could give me something so I won’t tell Sir where you are?” he mused.
Maple narrowed her eyes and hissed, “I know you are a dirty rat, your word does not mean anything.”
“Oh, that's so sad. Why do you need to hurt me like that?” Mocha toyed, obviously not hurt by her words. “So, you don’t want to hear what I want?”
Maple snorted, “What do you want?”
Mocha winked and moved closer, whispering in her ear. The molly’s eyes grew wide. “So, is that a yes?” he asked with amusement.
Maple shook her head, many thoughts racing through her head right now, “What? Why? What? Okay…” all she could manage. She then turned to see Finn was still there, watching the two of them. Worry was in the leader’s eyes and Maple turned to Mocha, “Return in one moon, I will be there.”
Mocha shook his head, “No dear, you have two nights.” He stepped closer and whispered. “I will meet you at the pond as the sun starts to lower. I will give you until moon high before I leave. And, you better go alone.” He meowed. Mocha looked down at the cat he had bested, “You're so weak, hardly a leader.” he sneered before walking off.
Once Mocha was out of earshot Maple meowed to Finn, “Not a word about this. Don’t ask me questions and do not tell Calla.” she instructed. “I expect this from you, since I saved your life.”
Finn shook his head, “Are there going to be more just like him?”
Maple shrugged, “Let's hope not, he's a tracker I know from the past and the cat he works for is no good.” That was all she said as she turned away and walked back to her garden, checking on Calla before she went on a walk by herself to go through her thoughts. The most confusing was why did he ask for a night? Why? Was all she would come up with. The two were enemies back then and even now. He wanted a night alone with her, was it a trap? Either way she knew she needed to do something, to protect the neighborhood. Finn couldn’t even fend off a track, what would he do when the brutes showed up? They were skilled fighters, raised to be ruthless and all are very skilled. Most of all she wanted to protect Calla, she needed to. She loved Calla and the thought of her being killed was frightening. The molly sighed and hissed a curse to herself as she kept going.
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Mocha returned to his apprentice, he had instructed the little thing to wait where he was and if he were to move the young cat would pay for it. “Head back home, find Sir and tell him that I didn’t find anything here yet. He will be wanting an update. Tell him I am going to continue on.” Mocha lied. The young cat nodded obediently and took off.
Mocha turned around and sat down, looking back in the direction he came from. The tom then went over what he had learned and the fight he had just went through. He was used to the stings from scratches and didn’t bother with the small ones, only caring for the bigger cuts as he groomed himself. He will finally get what he wanted before Maple left and that was a chance to get to know her. To him Maple hated every cat that was involved with Sir, that included him. Every encounter they had together was wrong, she was defensive and he would jumble up his words and they would end up in a blood battle. He still liked her though and he would lie to Sir to protect the molly, she just didn’t need to know that part.. Maybe at least not yet.
Mocha was satisfied with his fur and squatted down. He knew he had to stay alert now since Maple knew he was here. His curled ears swiveled with every sound around him, he eventually closed his eyes and tried to get some rest.
It was no use though, he was paranoid now. Mocha got up and went to do what he was good at, he went to track. He went to lay out the area and follow the cats in their own shadows. Spying on their lives and watching from a distance
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Mothpaw sat under the strange wooden tree (table) with Pearpaw. Pearpaw had increasingly become chunky and it worried Mothpaw, “You need to stop eating all that food they keep giving you.” she meowed.
“Why? It’s not that bad and it is easy to get..” Pearpaw complained. “Plus it’s not like we can get out.” he added.
Mothpaw nodded, “I think I found us a way to get out of here. The two leg goes out to water the garden every sunrise and every sundown. While it goes out it opens the door wide. All we need to do is bolt around it’s legs and we are free.”
“What about mom though? And our future siblings?” Pearpaw asked.
Mothpaw shrugged, “We can talk to those cats that visit every day. Maybe they can help us? If we manage to get out then that would be awesome information to take to them.”
Pearpaw shrugged and plopped down, “I guess… when are we going to try this?”
“Sundown.” Mothpaw meowed.
“But that's when the two leg sets down more kibble!” Pearpaw objected.
“Duh! We need to get out of here. Your with me or not?” Mothpaw muttered to her brother.
“Fine! But you need to get me a mouse.” Pearpaw sniffled.
Mothpaw rolled her eyes, you can catch your own dang prey.
Later that evening the two follow their plan and dash out through the two leg’s legs. Heading for the wall. Mothpaw makes it up easily, however Pearpaw has to try a few times but managed to get over just in time. The two-leg almost had him! The two then dash along the concrete wall, in the direction they saw the cats that tried to help them.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 19:00:47 GMT -8
Post 15 Mocha sat in the shadows, it has been a few nights now and this is when he would be expecting Maple. He of course wasn’t going to rat her out with Sir, he liked her too much even though she doesn’t now. She doesn’t need to know… does she?
Just then Mocha saw the shadow by the pond before he focused more and noticed it was Maple. He didn’t get up right away as he just watched her pace at the water's edge. After what seemed like hours Mocha got up and started towards the molly, naturally being cautious and quiet.
“Hello Maple, didn’t think you would come.” Mocha felt bad for making the molly jump when he started talking, he should have made a sound on purpose but his training would forever be drilled into his head.
“Of course I would, I have cats I want to protect!” Maple hissed quietly.
Mocha’s ears flattened, “It's not that cat I fought earlier was it? He is so weak.” jealousy filled his heart and mind. He wanted to be one of those cats, he wanted what Maple got. He wanted his freedom and he wanted to protect Maple.
“No! But I need to help protect him because he knows this area, he knows who is in it. He is useful to me so I need to keep him around.” Maple narrowed her eyes, “Why do you care? You never cared before!”
Mocha brushed off her question, “No talk like this. I want a nice evening. Just us. Let's go for a walk through this park.” The tom started to lead the way and Maple followed.
It was mostly in silence but as the sun started to rise Maple chimed up, “Why? Why did you ask this if you didn’t taunt me or argue or fight?”
Mocha lowered an ear for a second, “I never intended for that to happen. It's when I talk about things it just happens...so I stuck with silence.”
Maple rolled her eyes, “There is no way you are saying that you have tried before.”
Mocha shrugged, “Think about it Maple.”
Silence again as Maple thought back to all the sparing and goading that Mocha did.
Mocha sighed, “Think about it later. The night is almost over and I wanted to tell you that Sir is looking for you. He is still alive and he is out for your blood Maple. You should leave or prepare for a fight, not that you have much fighting power behind you.”
“I can hold my own! I’ve proved that many times!” Maple growled.
“I know you can, but what about those around you? I will hold my end of this deal, but I’m not the only one searching.” Mocha sighed, “I’m still going to stick around, maybe we can do this again sometime?”
Maple hissed, “Not likely, go home Mocha.” she spat before running off.
Mocha held back a sigh and smirked, "Why? I think I like it here, maybe I will stick around." He started. The tom saw the anger in Maple's eyes and shook his head, "Sorry, I'll try not to get under your skin, but you need a cat that is as skilled of a fighter as you around." he whispered before turning to leave. Leaving Maple in shocked silence.
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Mink watched as the upwalkers gathered around Applenose as she started to give birth to her kits. Mink sighed and went into another room, the commotion wasn’t for her and to hear the newborn kit mews was just...ugh. She's heard it all and has been through it all and she could care less for it. She didn’t even want kits, the thought of just abandoning them was constantly in the back of her mind.
Mink watched as the upwalkers started to panic and they brought out some strange transporting thing for cats. They took Applenose and her kits with them. The molly shrugged and started to groom her side, not really caring for what was going on. She was thankful for the quiet though.
Hours passed by and the upwalkers returned with the transporter, only there was no Applenose, just her kits. The upwalkers brought them to her and pushed them towards her belly. She shot up and hissed, batting at the kits, “No!” She then jumped down from her perch and ran to a hiding hole.
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It's been a few days since her meeting with Mocha and Maple knew she had to tell Calla about it. The grey molly looked over at Calla, she was still sleeping peacefully. Maple let out a sigh and poked Calla with her paw gently. “Calla, wake up.” she murmured.
Calla chirped awake and stretched out before looking at Maple, “Morning! Is something wrong? You never wake me up?” worry started to trickle into her words.
“Don’t be so worried Calla, I just wanted to talk to you about something.” Maple meowed.
“Oh, okay!” Calla smiled and waited for Maple to continue.
“Do you remember Sir? The cat I fought before we moved? Well he had friends, or lackies, that found us. I think we are in danger here, and we need to move." Maple admitted.
Calla gasped, “I don’t want to keep moving Maple! I like it here.”
Maple shook her head, “Either keep moving or prepare for a fight.”
“I.. I don’t…” Calla trailed off in thought.
Maple stood up, “I’m not going to make you choose Calla, they are after me. Find a new place to stay during the night. I will leave.”
Calla looked at the molly in shock, “You can't!” she exclaimed. “I don’t want to lose you!”
Maple nodded, “When I know I am no longer in danger, I will come back.”
Calla stood up now, “No! We can fight together!”
“A fight huh?" Mocha strutted in like he already knew the place.
Calla turned, “Oh, hello? I’m sorry, but who are you?” she asked.
Maple hissed, “Go away Mocha!”
Mocha chuckled and shook his head, “But it’s so cold! Why haven’t you told her about me yet? You said you would.” he cooed annoyingly.
Maple scrunched her face, “I was going to, eventually. Calla this is Mocha. He came here to warn me, apparently.”
Mocha shushed Maple, “We don’t have time for back stories. You want to stay and fight? You know he has a group with him, you know how dangerous and ruthless each and every one of them are. And if I could take down this cat you call a leader, then guess what? You don’t have a very strong force with you.”
Maple nodded, “I know this, Calla wanted to fight.”
Calla flattened her ears in embarrassment.
Mocha connected the dots rather fast, it seems like Calla is the only cat Maple wants to protect here. He couldn't help but smile confidently. "Looks like we have a lot of training to do around here."
"No. We. Don't." Maple growled, moving herself in front of Calla and was just a whisker length away from Mocha, "Get lost flea bag." the molly hissed.
Mocha backed off a few steps, not so mouse-brained to stay in the danger zone. "I'll be around Calla, my name is Mocha, and all you have to do is call out my name." After saying that the tom excused himself, confident Calla would search him out.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 19:10:36 GMT -8
Post 16 ”I told you to lay off the kittypet food. Look, you got to plump to hunt and failed Finn’s test.” Mothwish scolded Pearpaw.
“Whatever! I’m going back.” He meowed.
“You can't! I can help you get better.” Mothwish pleaded her brother.
“No, I miss mom and our siblings should be here any day now right? I want to be there for them and tell them stories of our clan and everything.” Pearpaw frowned. He didn't care about the test, to him it was even a real warrior’s test.
“Okay, I am going to try and come up with a way to get you all out of there.” Mothwish meows sadly. She didn’t want to lose her brother but she had no choice.
“You do that Mothwish. You know the way back and I don’t plan on leaving okay?” Pearpaw said with more truth than Mothwish would know. He didn’t plan on going back to having to fend for himself. He liked the kittypet life and he wanted to stay there.
Mothwish watched her brother pad off into the direction of the twoleg nest, “Don’t eat too much kibble!” She shouted at her brother, he twitched his ears at that and didn’t even look back.
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Ryne groomed the kits that suckled at her belly, she wished they were her own but was happy to care for the orphans. The molly grew to despise Mink rather quickly. Mink would not even acknowledge them or help them when they were in need. Maybe this is why she was brought here by the two legs, Ryne thought to herself.
“Did you at least name them?” Ryne asked Mink.
“Ha! Like I would. Don’t name them and don’t get attached, that’s what I learned.” Just the Mink felt the familiar sharp pains of labor and let out a quiet meow. Mink got up and walked around, meowing loudly and moving to her little nesting box, the two-leg that cared for them was there. When Mink gave birth to a single little kit she sighed and pushed the kit away. She didn’t want to care for him since the tom kit looked too much like his father and Mink wanted nothing to do with him. The two leg noticed and kept trying but Mink would turn away and not let the kit suckle. The twoleg finally gave up and took the kit to Ryne.
Mink heard the gasp, “Not even your own kit?! You wouldn’t take care of them?”
“He is better off over there. Leave me be.” Mink grumbled and returned to grooming herself. Ryne happily accepted the tom and let him suckle at her belly. She didn’t understand Mink and hated that she wouldn’t even look after her own kit. Fine by her!
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Pearpaw meows loudly at the door he had bolted out of moons earlier and even scratched on it. After sometime the two leg opened the door and let him in, he rubbed against their leg and meowed still, looking up. The two leg picked him up and squeeze him gently and he let them. They put a collar around his neck with jinglely things that made a lot of noise. He didn’t care. They set him down on the padded floor and he walked off into the room his mother usually laid in and called out to her, “Mom? Applenose?” he slowly grew worried.
Mink hissed, “Will you be quiet! Those kits finally settled down enough for me to sleep.”
Pearpaw went over to her, “Where is my mom?” He asked. He even looked towards Mink’s belly and saw no kits there. He was a tad puzzled but didn’t ask.
“The two legs took her when she was in labor and they came back only with the kits. I would bet she died during labor. Her kits are over there.” Mink meowed without emotion and flicked her head towards the other molly.
Pearpaw backed up and dashed out of the room. He sat at the door and held back tears. His mother was gone? He wasn’t here for her and it was his fault that she didn’t make it. He left when she could have used his help. He blamed himself for his mother’s passing. How could he make it up to her? He closed his eyes and held back the urge to yowl.
Sometime has passed and he finally got up and shook his head, he knew a way to repent for what he did. He would be there for his siblings and get them out of this place, even though he had no intention of leaving himself. Pearpaw got up and padded back into the room, this time going towards the new molly.
Ryne had overheard him and Mink and looked up at Pearpaw, “I’m sorry about your mother,” she meowed to him.
“It’s okay, thank you for taking care of them for her.” Pearpaw grew closer and saw the kits, there was one that looked just like his mother and he felt his heart ache. “Are these all my siblings?” he asked her.
“The little grey one was Mink’s kit, but she refused to care for him. So I took him in as well. It’s why he is smaller than the others. But I assume the other four are your siblings, they all look alike.” Ryne licked each one to check on them.
“Did you name them yet?” Pearpaw asked.
“Not yet. I like to wait for that but I have thought of some names.”
“Can I help name them?” Pearpaw asked cheekily.
Ryne nodded, “Of course! My name is Ryne by the way.”
“My name is Pearpaw and my mother’s name was Applenose.”
“Oh! Clan names? My father was a clan cat and had that same funny name as you. Should we give the kits clan names?” Ryne asked.
“No, they are not watching over us. Look what has happened. We were stolen from our home, bare bellied and then my mother dies?” Pearpaw felt the hate in his voice and even he was shocked at his reaction.
“Your clan can’t protect you though from two legs?”
“Not them, Starclan. Our ancestors. They did this.”
Ryne didn’t press it too much and let Pearpaw curl up with them. After a few days the two name all of the kits. The single molly was named Apple in memory of their mother and the toms were named Rind, Puff, Dandy and Dewey.
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Finn walked along, his head down as he was lost in thought. The battle he had with Mocha just a few moons ago was still fresh in his mind. It even haunted him in his mind. Could he protect the cats like he claimed he could? Or would he always need to be saved? What kind of leader needs to be saved? He grumbled under his breath and kept walking.
Winter spotted Finn before he spotted her and she walked up to him, “Hey Finn!” she meowed chearily.
“Hello Winter.” Finn meowed. It was obvious he had something on his mind.
“Is everything okay?” She asked.
“Yeah, what brings you out here?” Finn asked to change the subject.
“I was looking for you. I heard that the kits in that house were born. It would be long till the two legs take them away and I think we need to find a way to help them.”
Finn automatically though, if I can help them. He shook his head, “I don’t know how. Kits are not as fast as those apprentices that got out. It will be hard and we will need all the paws we can get or find a path they can run to.”
Winter nodded, “Mothwish and I have found a good path for them to go through. There’s a small hole the kits might be able to run under.”
Finn looked over to see an unfamiliar cat, a very pretty molly was walking towards him, her tail raise in greeting.
“Hello, my name is Eagle.” The molly said as she brushed up against Finn. “I heard you are the leader, no one told me how handsome you were.
Finn flashed her a smile, his mood seemed to lift now. “My name is Finnegan but cats call me Finn.”
“Such a strong name.” Eagle purred.
Winter rolled her eyes, she never knew there would be a mooly as flirtatious as Finn was and Winter found herself jealous.
Eagle pressed herself against the leader, “Why don’t you show me around some more?”
Finn’s mind was muddled by just how strong Eagle came onto him and he just nodded, forgetting about Winter as he lead the way. Eagle followed.
“Finn! What about the kits?” Winter called out after them. It seemed to have gone unheard though and she sighed. Looks like it would be up to her to get cats to help.
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Finn and Eagle eventually caught back up with Winter, she had gathered a few others as they patrolled around to make sure the area was safe for a bunch of young kits to be out.
Mothwish and Winter went over the plan, Mothwish even mentioned how Pearpaw was able to come and go as he pleased through a special door. It seemed only he could get in and out though. (There’s a tag on his collar that lets him through a small flap.)
Winter’s first reaction to that was astonishment as her door would let any cat through if they so wished, it even let the small dog that lived with her go in and out as it pleased.
Finn looked at Mothwish, “Can you see if he can sneak the kits out? One at a time?”
Mothwish nodded, “I will ask next time I see him come out. It has been less and less frequently.” She frowned at that bit of information. She wondered what her siblings were like but refused to become a kittypet again.
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Calla was up early today and was walking around alone, or so she thought. Mocha was watching her from a distance and keeping track of what she was doing. Calla walked up to a cat that Mocha did not know and he was ready to pounce if any harm started to show its way, but it seemed like the two mollies knew each other and he relaxed.
“Russentnose! How are you and Duke doing?” Calla meowed a little loudly. She quieted down after that and the two started to chatter and catch up. Mocha grew bored of watching this and plopped down. Even that grew boring and he turned to leave, only to run into Maple who was glaring at him.
“What are you doing Mocha?” She hissed. “Why are you following Calla?”
“Making sure she is safe, at least for now.” Mocha meowed.
“What is that supposed to mean?!” Maple lashed her tail. “Why won't you leave?”
“I don’t want to leave just yet, so don’t worry about it.” Mocha smirked.
Maple growled, “I don’t need you here. Go home.” she spat.
“My home is where I am at and I am here, so I am home. Common, you knew I learned that.” He rolled and exposed his belly, making it clear he wasn’t leaving.
Maple grumbled and walked away, Mocha got up and followed her, a smile on his face. "Stop following me." Maple muttered.
"Don't follow Calla, don't follow you.. I am bored Maple." Mocha complained.
"Go eat dirt." Maple spat. What he said earlier just hit her, "Why do you want to make sure Calla is safe?"
Mocha shrugged, "She means a lot to you, any cat with a brain can tell that." he rolled his eyes. "Want to spar like we did back in the old days?"
Maple shook her head, "Go fight a monster." she growled and kept moving, Mocha still followed her with a smile on his face.
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ame
Junior Member
Posts: 60
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Post by ame on Aug 19, 2021 19:17:15 GMT -8
Post 17 Finn looked at the small group of cats that gathered in the upwalker garden. It was nice to know he was able to influence help from them and was thankful for their help. He opened his mouth to go over the plan once more, "Okay, we need to get as many kits as we can before the upwalker comes back. For some reason only Pearpaw can come and go from the flap so he will have to carry the kits out to us. Once they are out we need to have them go through the path we created, they cant jump the walls yet and I don't want to risk anyone getting hurt by trying to jump a wall with them."
The cats all nodded and waited for Pearpaw to start bringing out the kits, they didn't have to wait long as he got to it right away. Even Ryne somehow managed to get out through the flap with all the kits. Ryne did a quick headcount of the kits before nodding at Finn, an all good was transmitted and he lead the way down the path that was created to a hole in the fence. Ryne jumped over to help coax the kits through but all the new smells and cats had them feeling overwhelmed and scared. Mothwish was on the other side with Ryne, calling her siblings names to get them to come through.
"Mothpaw?" A tom called out when they heard her and then another cat dis the same before running in view.
Mothwish turn and a look of happiness and shock came to her, "Dad?! Barknose!" She forgot what she was doing as she ran to them and rubbed against them happily.
Mudspotsdisnt waste anytime, "Is your brother and mother here as well?" He looked around her, hoping they would be right there. Just then a monster pulled into the pavement in front of the nest and the upwalker came out. The cats hid in the brush close to the fence.
Mothwish's eye grew wide, "We need to hurry!" She called out to the others, ignoring her father. Mudspots heard the urgency and stood back, he was filled with pride that his daughter was so strong now. Just then he saw through the hole in the fence and saw the kits and he gasped, it scared the kits and they started to run back towards the flap, meowing little cries.
Ryne hissed at the tom, "Get out of here! You're scaring them!" Mudspots shook his head and couldn't move, were those his kits? He couldn't just leave. Where was Applenose?
Barknose shoved his father to the side, "Comon, we need to get out of their way, we can catch up later." Mudspots let himself be moved but never stopped looking.
Once they were out of the way the cats had managed to coax some the kits back towards the hole and it was Winter that gave one of them a hard shove to get them to go through. The same time that happened the back door opened and the two leg came calling to them. Finn and Eagle grabbed a kit, to their protest and jumped over the wall, not bothering with the plan as they took off a way. The kit Winter had pushed out was carried by Mothwish, Ryne looked back and saw that the remaining kits were picked up by the upwalker and taken back inside, not even Pearpaw could get out as the flap was blocked.
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The cats had all gathered up with the kits that were saved, Ryne let them huddle into her so they would feel safe. Mudspots and Barknose were there asking a bunch of questions and it was Mothwish that spoke to him. Explaining what happened to their mother and this situation.
Ryne spoke up this time, "Dewwy and Puff are still back with Pearpaw. I doubt we will be able to get them before they are given out. We wont know where they will go." Sadness in her voice.
Winter frowned, "That's the life of a kittypet mother, once the two legs see they are big enough and no longer need milk they are given to other upwalkers and you would be lucky to ever see them again."
Mudspots looked hurt, "How can we save them? I don't want to lose them. I've spent many moons trying to find my family."
"Cherish what you have now, you got lucky." Finn muttered. He didn't bother mentioning that if Mudspots hasn't hissed then the kits would have never run away and they could have gotten them all.
Mudspots went over to the kits and nudged them, "Hello, my name is Mudspots and I am your father." He cooed to them. They looked at him and then looked at Ryne who nodded.
The next few days the family bonded and got to know each other. The kits soon loved their dad but were afraid of Barknose and cried and wailed every time he came by them. The tom was hurt and knew he should give his father some space and that is what he did as he roamed around to get a better feel for the area. At night he would talk with Mudspots and learned that his father had no plans to go back to the clan, they didn't want to help search for the family, so why go back to the unhelpful clan?
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