deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 1:50:21 GMT -8
MOON 030 Written on Feb 9, 2017. It appeared as if Mintclaw had unofficially taken up the deputy's role as she continued to file in for Owlfur whenever the tom was feeling unwell, which was a more than often occurrence nowadays as he had a weak and frail son who looked like he was ready to greet StarClan at any given moment. The molly felt as if she was unprepared to undertake such a task, though according to her Clanmates she was doing a good job at helping with Owlfur's tasks - which took loads of self-doubt out of her mind.
As of now she was organizing the hunting patrols and dealing with a very stubborn Aspenheart as he vehemently denied the thought of going hunting. Mintclaw bared her teeth in a snarl as she was losing her temper with her young nephew. Aspenheart flinched as he noticed her anger growing, though he did not back down. "Well Owlfur always let us choose what we want to do." He meowed contemptuously, his green eyes narrowing into a harsh glare.
"And I'm not Owlfur, meaning I don't intend to coddle anyone like how I see he's done with you." Mintclaw responded, not even budging an inch at Aspenheart's glare. The tom began to falter, and Mintclaw resisted to smirk down at him. "Listen, Aspenheart. You're a warrior, not a pampered kittypet. You're supposed to do the tasks assigned to you." Mintclaw meowed, with a tone a mother would have with a disobedient kit - one that Aspenheart did not appreciate.
"Yeah?! Well-" He was stopped short from exploding as Mintclaw leaned in close to his face and snarled threateningly -
"Listen to me: Deal. With. It." - which shut him up quick. The tabby huffed, though he reluctantly went to join the waiting patrol as they padded out to hunt.
Mintclaw released a deep breath she had been holding ever since Aspenheart began to argue, looking behind her to see Duckfoot chuckle at her. She rolled her eyes and padded up to him, noting the amusement in his green eyes. "You could have helped me out with him, you know." Mintclaw meowed as she assumed the tom must have been observing her predicament with the troublesome tom.
"You did a great job at handling him though, I didn't want to ruin that." Duckfoot responded, smiling at her. Mintclaw huffed, though hearing him say that made her heart flutter. "I'm impressed at how easily you take charge whenever Owlfur can't, it's admirable." He said, making Mintclaw feel very warm inside.
"Flatterer." The molly muttered, causing for the tom to chuckle at her.
"I try to be."
Shadowstar groomed little Shadekit behind the ears, ignoring her daughter's protests that she was clean enough and that if she was groomed even further that her mother might tear off her own fur. Eventually Shadowstar stopped, making the kit sigh in relief and immediately jumped out of her mother's paws, staring at her mother with a grumpy expression. Shadowstar smiled, though it quickly faded as recalled how Molekit would never have the same energy as his sister, she curled her tail protectively around her son as she felt him nap besides her belly. Shadekit followed her tail, consumed by the urge to pounce on it though she knew it would scare her brother if she did. "Molekit sure sleeps a lot, doesn't he?" Shadekit noted, though she couldn't understand the somber look on her mother's face. "Yes... he does."Shadekit tipped her head, confused by her mother's tone, but as she was about to say more she noticed a shadow looming over her and turned around to see her father at the entrance of the den. "Papa, you're back!" She mewed excitedly, nuzzling into Owlfur's leg and purring loudly. The tabby tom purred back, leaning down to nuzzle the kit and laughing along with her and she mewed about his fur was so soft. Shadekit knew that whenever Owlfur came in the nursery it meant that she would have to leave so that her parents could speak privately, which was alright to her as that meant she got to spend more time with the medicine cats as she was becoming interested in herbs, so the black kit scampered out of the nursery and towards the medicine den - both Shadowstar and Owlfur sharing fond smiles as they watched her leave. "Should we talk about StreamClan while Molekit's in here?" Owlfur asked as he settled down to lay besides Shadowstar, staring at his son in concern. The tiny black tom mewed weakly in his sleep, curling in on himself as a surge of pain swept through him again.
Both cats frowned sadly upon seeing him, though Shadowstar gave her mate a slow nod. "I couldn't bare leaving him, and I don't think he can hear us anyway." She confessed, her voice low. Owlfur twitched his ears to acknowledge that he heard her, but he kept his eyes on Molekit until he settled down and slept comfortably again. "We've been keeping them waiting for a moon now, and I'm still not sure what to make of them." Owlfur whispered as to not disturb his kit.
"And according to what we know from EchoClan's patrols, they attacked a queen." Shadowstar added. "I don't like the thought of making enemies, but I can't side with cats who would attack a mother like that."
Owlfur nodded in agreement, he looked down upon cats like that too. "So I suppose they're our enemies now?" He asked, making Shadowstar give a reluctant sigh.
"I suppose so, relay the news to them the next time you see a StreamClan patrol - take our strongest cats with you in case they want to fight." She ordered, Owlfur nodded and then carefully stood up to exit the den and ready a border patrol. "And please, be careful."
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 1:53:19 GMT -8
MOON 031 Written on Feb 9, 2017. Molekit laid against his mother's chest, his chest rose and fell heavily in an attempt to get more air to breath. The kit's eyes were glazed, but he was alive - barely, but alive nonetheless. Shadowstar sat alone in the nursery, hating how quiet it was despite her request to send everyone away so that no one could come to disturb her during her last moments with her son - Owlfur and Shadekit were the only ones who stayed behind, both sheltered in her own den.
Molekit blinked, his expression confused as if he had no idea where he was or what was happening until he was aware of his mother's warmth so close to him. He attempted to press himself closer to her as he felt himself growing cold and numb, but to no avail. Shadowstar could tell what he was trying to do and moved him closer with her paws, humming an old nursery tune her mother had sang to her when she was a kitten.
"Mama..." rasped a tiny voice, hardly more than a whisper.
Shadowstar gasped, staring at her kit with sad eyes as she knew these were the first and last words he would ever speak.
"I feel... bad..."
The leader felt herself ready to break down upon seeing the fearful expression on Molekit's face, but she forced herself not to show anything. She carefully gave him a loving lick atop his head, trying to show as much affection as she could in these final moments. "It will fade, my dear. You'll be well soon." She mewed softly, seeing the ghost of a smile on his muzzle.
"Good." He mewed, his voice weaker than ever, and Shadowstar knew that StarClan was ready to take him away.
"Farewell, my son. Never, never forget how much I love you." Shadowstar cried, watching as Molekit's life faded away from him until he was still.
The former quiet of the camp had been replaced by a mournful yowl.
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 2:00:16 GMT -8
MOON 032 Written on Feb 10, 2017. Shadowstar was inconsolable following the death of Molekit, the PineClan leader had become nothing but a husk of her former self - her pelt had lost its healthy sheen and instead became ruffled and unkempt, she slept far more often than she should have been, and refused to socialize with her Clan like she used to, keeping to the dark of her den or far out into her territory where no would would disturb her. The lone black cat now trod to where Molekit's grave was, carrying freshly plucked daises in her mouth and laying them on top of her son's resting place.
Shadowstar sighed as she sat down, staring up at the night sky, dotted with millions of stars. "Where are you...?" The leader meowed quietly, her orange eyes desperately searching for the star that was Molekit. So caught up in her search, she did not notice how Owlfur cautiously padded towards her until she could see him place a pine cone besides the daises.
Shadowstar watched quietly as Owlfur sat down, a mournful gaze as he stared at his son's grave. The two mates stayed quiet for a while, a soft breeze blowing through their pelts. After a while, Owlfur began to break the silence. "I'd gladly trade his life for mine." He mewed solemnly, Shadowstar didn't make much of a response - though her ear twitched to acknowledge him.
"He'd be standing here right now. And you would smile, that would be enough." Shadowstar stared down at her paws, sighing heavily as she leaned against her mate's side. Owlfur then twined his tail with her own, a tiny flicker of hope within him as she did not pull away this time.
"I'm glad you're here." Shadowstar meowed quietly, her voice tired. "But don't you dare suggest that you die, I couldn't bare to lose you too. Just stay here by my side, that would be enough." It was dawn when Shadowstar and Owlfur returned to camp, Fawnfur and Magpiewhisker sat outside the nursery as they guarded the sleeping Shadekit inside. The two warriors sat up straighter when their leader approached, she mewed her gratitude and excused them to leave as she went inside. As Fawnfur and Magpiewhisker stood up to leave, Magpiewhisker requested for the molly to follow him into a more secluded part of camp so that they could speak alone. "I've uh, been meaning to speak to you." The tom meowed sheepishly, Fawnfur was curious to what he wanted to say - so she silently gestured for him to continue. "W-well, I um, really really like you." Magpiewhisker meowed, his heart beginning to beat loudly in his chest and unbeknownst to him, Fawnfur's was as well. "Can you...? Oh, I don't know... Wait, no! Of course I do." He then sighed in defeat, this was not going the way he planned at all. "Be my mate?" Magpiewhisker meowed, his eartips burned in embarrassment as his voice cracked.
"O- oh! Of course I will but, it's - it's not too soon is it?" Fawnfur meowed, making the tom even more flustered by her answer.
"Is it? Oh StarClan, maybe I should've waited." He said, his mind suddenly clouded with insecurity until Fawnfur licked the top of his head much like how he did when he reassured her.
"Magpiewhisker, don't worry, it's okay!" She mewed with a giggle, Magpiewhisker sighed in relief and nuzzled her cheek lovingly.
"I'm glad, I'm so happy you're mine now."
Fawnfur purred in content, nuzzling him back. "Me too." Mintclaw and Duckfoot were chatting with each other, both finding it easy to speak with one another as hey spoke. However, their peace was broken by the sound of a shocked - "YOU'RE WHAT?!" - coming from the other side of camp. Both cats quickly got their feet as they heard the yowl, but they sighed in annoyance as they saw that it had come from none other than Aspenheart, his neck fur raised as he stared at his brother and Fawnfur in shock, Mintclaw let out a surprised gasp as she noticed how the young warrior's tails were twined. She quickly looked away, ignoring the happiness she felt for her nephew and his new mate.
Duckfoot purred in amusement, "The younger ones are always the boldest." he stated. Mintclaw hummed in half-hearted agreement, staring up at the new couple again as they were met with congratulations coming from Shrikeface and Skunknose: Magpiewhisker's parents, and from Wasptail: Fawnfur's aunt. Aspenheart stormed away from his brother and out of camp, his tail lashing from side to side as he made his disappointment known.
"Aren't you going to congratulate them too?" Duckfoot asked, Mintclaw shook her head, she hadn't been close to her family ever since Shrikeface had taken Skunknose for a mate.
"I'd rather not." She mewed, hoping that this would end soon, thankfully StarClan answered her prayers fast as Owlfur called for everyone to assign them to patrols.
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 2:45:34 GMT -8
MOON 033 Written on Feb 11, 2017. Weaselstorm groaned inwardly, he had ordered for the new tom to lick his wounds clean before he could apply cobwebs, but now he realized that he had used all that he had for both Lizardstripe and Mintclaw's injuries. With a half-irritated sigh, Weaselstorm excused himself from his patient to ask Skunknose to retrieve some before the injured brown tabby grew even more anxious from having his wounds untreated.
He was very surprised to see that the molly was by Shrikeface's side, her mate telling her about what to expect from hunting patrols while she replied that had hunted before and that there was no need to worry. Weaselstorm sighed, he had noticed that she was beginning to stray from medicine cat duties to inquire how the warriors worked lately, though seeing it for himself really made him realize that she had been taking the idea of resigning seriously.
Skunknose grew aware of her apprentice's presence, a sheepish smile on her face as she motioned for him to come over. "So I guess you won't be able to fetch some cobwebs." Weaselstorm meowed, perhaps a little more brusque then he intended.
Skunknose sighed before answering. "I promised to join the hunting patrol, I wouldn't want to back out of it now." She mewed, causing Weaselstorm to frown. "I-I've seen some just outside camp though, you wouldn't be gone long." She quickly added, attempting to lessen the tom's growing sour mood.
"How's he doing anyway? Lizardstripe didn't seem too happy to be around him. Kept mumbling about how he had to keep the FlurryClan border secure before he left." Shrikeface butted in, Weaselstorm's frown deepened, he always held an unexplained dislike for his mentor's mate.
"Just fine. He just needs some patching up. Now don't you have a hunting patrol to do?" Weaselstorm meowed, unable to keep his biting tone at bay. Shrikeface huffed at the younger tom while Skunknose sighed in exasperation, leading her mate away from Weaselstorm before things got worse. The medicine apprentice watched them leave, unaware of the small shape of Shadekit excitedly trotting towards him.
"Are ya gonna go collect herbs? Can I come?" The kit asked, her blue eyes shining with glee. Weaselstorm could feel his mood lighten up a little, it warmed him to see the young kit beginning to take an interest in medicine.
"Yes... but shouldn't you be with your mother?" He asked, StarClan forbid that Shadekit was ever apart from Shadowstar, the leader refused to let her daughter out of her sight nowadays.
"Shadekit? Where are you?" Ah, and there she was now. Weaselstorm and Shadekit both exchanged a glance as the Clan leader came towards them, a look of worry upon her face. "Didn't I tell you not to stray far from the nursery?" Shadowstar mewed, clearly disappointed in her kit for disobeying her.
Shadekit stared at the ground and shuffled her paws, refusing to meet her mother's gaze. "I only wanted to be with Weaselstorm..." She mewed dejectedly, attempting to make her mother feel sorry for her. It worked in Weaselstorm's case, not so sure about how Shadowstar felt though.
"If I might add... I'm just going to gather cobwebs, they're right outside camp too - so Shadekit can come along with me." The tom meowed, receiving a steely look from his leader for a few heartbeats before she sighed in defeat.
"I suppose that's alright, I better see to our newest warrior anyway. And Shadekit, you do not leave Weaselstorm's side for even one second." She mewed, her warning getting through Shadekit's ears easily as the kitten gulped and nodded. Weaselstorm bowed his head in thanks before leaving camp with Shadekit in tow, both cats very much aware of how Shadowstar kept her eyes on them.
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 2:52:46 GMT -8
MOON 034 Written on Feb 13, 2017. Shadekit had become even more attached to Weaselstorm ever since the medicine cat apprentice had taken her with him to collect some more cobwebs to heal Larkclaw's injuries, he had even let her watch as he applied them, her bright blue eyes incredibly focused while ignoring Larkclaw growing annoyance as he felt increasingly uncomfortable with the kit's intense stare.
From then on Shadekit had made what she considered would be the most important decision in her life: she was going to become a medicine cat. Not only did the job seem beyond fascinating, but she was also determined to see if there was any kind of cure to whatever ailed her mother and father - it didn't seem normal to her at all as the two cats wore saddened and tired looks compared to the rest of their Clanmates, who were clearly cheerful and happy. Shadekit wanted to help them, she felt as if she needed to.
The kit crept behind Weaselstorm and Skunknose as the two medicine cats made their way towards the entrance, her eyes kept darting to the tom's tail, lazily waving to and fro and oh so very tempting to pounce on. Shadekit couldn't contain herself as she leaped right on it, making Weaselstorm jump in surprise. The brown-and-white cat whirled around to face Shadekit, a look of annoyance on his face as she stared at him with a wide smile.
"Looks like you have an admirer." Skunknose mewed with a chuckle, Weaselstorm just rolled his eyes.
"She's more like a little leech, if you ask me." He meowed, making Shadekit's ears droop as she stared at the ground and shuffled her paws.
"Sorry if I'm annoying you... or anything..." She mewed in the most convincing and depressed tone she could muster. Skunknose wasn't convinced as she had heard Aspenheart do the same thing many times when he was a kit, but Weaselstorm on the other paw could not stand to see a sad cat in his presence.
"I-It's alright, I'm not even that annoyed at you or anything." He meowed awkwardly, a feeble attempt at reassuring Shadekit that she wasn't a bother in any way. At that the kit immediately perked up, her wide smile returned as she purred and nuzzled into Weaselstorm's chest fur before thanking him and quickly trotting back into the nursery. Skunknose chuckled, staring fondly at Weaselstorm as the tom watched Shadekit retreat into her den.
"She has you wrapped around her tail, it's adorable." The molly mewed with a purr, making Weaselstorm shake his head and laugh softly.
"I guess she does." He replied, smiling warmly. With that the two decided to finally get onto collecting herbs and were barely out of camp when the familiar sound of small, running pawsteps approached them. Skunknose and Weaselstorm were surprised to see Shadekit skid to a stop in front of them, and even more so when she spoke.
"It's Fawnfur! I think she's gonna kit!" She exclaimed, Skunknose quickly taking action and running back to camp with Shadekit just behind.
Lizardstripe stayed to the back of the patrol, staring at Larkclaw through narrowed eyes as the brown tabby looked around the area with interest. Back when he was a rogue rather than a PineClan cat, Lizardstripe had lived in a Carrionplace and grouped with other toms his age, making a living through thieving from other cats and running around causing trouble. Larkclaw had been the equivalent to a deputy back in those days and he could be quite violent if one looked at him in the wrong way. He wasn't sure if the tabby had recognized him when he and Mintclaw were first attacked by him until Larkclaw's eyes flashed in recognition as he heard Lizardstripe's meow from the first time. If there was one thing that Lizardstripe was happy about with Larkclaw here was that it was PineClan that found him rather than FlurryClan. He didn't even want to imagine that cat living in the same Clan as Rosemask, knowing about his impulsive and quick to anger nature. At least that anger might come to use in chasing off the fox that Lizardstripe scented close to the FlurryClan border - a threat almost as bad as Larkclaw. Owlfur had decided to lead the patrol with Wasptail right besides him, the tabby molly's tail was lashing back and forth as she walked. This was very important to her as a fox had killed her sister and left her niece orphaned at barely two moons old, now Fawnfur was grown up with kits of her own on the way. So getting this fox out of their territory was definitely a necessity.
Rowanpelt felt as if he was drowning in worry over everything happening today, first there was the fox prowling along the edge of their territory, then Shadowstar left for the Moonpool even though it was clear that she was still weak, and now Fawnfur was beginning to kit and the tom just couldn't get how awful the leader's kitting was out of his mind. He needed to get away from it, find some place to calm him down, and so he snuck out of camp and took the familiar path he did towards the JinxClan border where he hoped Velvetrabbit might be waiting. Rowanpelt was finally comfortable rather than anxious around the molly, and just being around her put his mind at ease.
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 3:04:38 GMT -8
MOON 035 Written on Feb 15, 2017. It was expected for a medicine cat to be acquainted with death, you couldn't save every patient under your care after all.
Yet this loss stung Weaselstorm harsher then any kind of pain he had dealt with in his life, he couldn't even stand to look behind him just to see the somber faces of Mintclaw and Lizardstripe as they walked in sync back to camp with the limp body of Owlfur draped over their shoulders; the scent of blood and death hung so poignantly in the air. The entire patrol was in a state of shock, each could not believe that the deputy had lost his life, he was such a bright and caring figure before - even after his son's death he tried his best to put on a smile for his Clanmates every day. And now here he was, cold and dead with a variety of open wounds that made everyone feel sick to their stomachs.
Weaselstorm shuddered, how on StarClan's holy ground where they ever going to explain this to Shadowstar? She was already in a bad state after losing Molekit, seeing her mate dead would surely cause the molly to fall into an even deeper depression, one that he was certain she could never recover from. Just besides him was his old friend Comfreyfang who let out a shaky sigh, and Weaselstorm knew that she would've liked to wail in grief had it not been for the cobwebs she was holding in her mouth. Wasptail just behind them stared at the ground, her eyes into narrowed slits and blood coated her paws and flank - the scent of both cat and fox mingled together on her.
Weaselstorm wondered if she got the revenge she was looking for, she had always harbored resentment and anger towards foxes ever since one had taken her sister's life, it must have felt nice to sick her claws into one before the evil creature got the upper paw and took everyone by surprise. Out of everyone, Larkclaw was the most unaffected, but then again he had joined the Clan recently, however it would have been nice for the tom to show a bit more sympathy other than the nonchalant look he wore now. "Home sweet home." Larkclaw meowed quietly as the camp's entrance came into view, Weaselstorm could feel anxiety wash over him in waves as he was the first to step into camp, it only got worse as Shadowstar was already there - talking sweetly to an unfamiliar gray-and-white tom kit who blinked up at her kindly.
The leader's ears twitched as she saw the patrol pad into camp, a confused frown was on her face as she noticed the sad looks on everyone. She directed the kit towards the nursery before speaking. "How did it go?" She asked cautiously, her eyes searching for Owlfur, though it seemed as if Mintclaw and Lizardstripe didn't want to go in yet. Comfreyfang couldn't stand to be here any longer, immediately pushing her way past Weaselstorm and Shadowstar as she dropped off her load of cobwebs outside the medicine den and ran to shelter in the warriors' den, her eyes stuck to looking at the ground.
"Well it's gone." Larkclaw stated, Wasptail rolling her eyes just beside him.
"We drove it off, Shadowstar. It won't be bothering us or FlurryClan again, but..." The ginger tabby trailed off before shaking her head and began to pad towards the nursery to check on her niece until she remembered she was covered in blood, then she padded to a more shaded area of camp to lick the blood off her paws.
"Where's Owlfur?" Shadowstar asked, a suspicious glare in her eye, Weaselstorm could do nothing but stay silent as Larkclaw meowed for Mintclaw and Lizardstripe to come in now and flinched as the shocked gasp of Shadowstar was heard. He glanced at the scene out of the corner of his eye as the two cats carefully lowered Owlfur's body to the ground while his mate stared at him numbly, a stab of sympathy went through the medicine cat as the leader began to mumble out incomprehensible mews as both warriors stepped away respectively to give her some time to herself.
"No, no, no, no, NO!!" Shadowstar whispered, her voice escalating into a loud caterwaul towards the end as she began to lose herself in her grief. "You were supposed to STAY WITH ME, I can't do this alone!" Weaselstorm felt his heart break into pieces as the molly wailed and cried over her mate's body, feeling frozen to the ground until his mentor Skunknose padded quietly out of the nursery and padded towards him to nudge him towards their shared den. A few days had passed ever since Owlfur's tragic passing, and while the Clan still had not fully gotten over their grief, life carried on as always. Magpiewhisker and his mate Fawnfur had gotten even closer ever since the birth of their only daughter, a tiny brown-and-white molly named Acornkit and had taken in the kit that Shadowstar had found as their foster son, who was now named Juniperkit.
Not to mention that Shadowstar's only surviving kit, Shadekit, was ready to be apprenticed as well - though the molly had lost her former excitement about it ever since her father's death. The black kit was watching Weaselstorm sort herbs while Skunknose had gone to speak with Shrikeface about something she didn't want to speak with him about, causing him to be distracted about it that he lost place of where he was putting his herbs. "You messed up again." Shadekit stated, padding to sit at his side as she moved the herbs he had incorrectly placed into their designated spot.
"Thanks, little leech." Weaselstorm said, feeling happy that the nickname made the tiniest of smiles appear on Shadekit's face, he had missed her bright smiles and exuberant personality that she had before.
"Anytime, Weasel." She mewed quietly before sighing. "I want to be happy about being you and Skunknose's apprentice but, I just... can't. I'm sorry." She admitted, leaning against her future mentor and sighing heavily. Weaselstorm frowned, but he understood why she felt the way she did.
"You're grieving, that tends takes the happiness out of everything." He meowed, staring down at the molly. "It won't go away for good, believe me. But one day you'll find enough strength to be happy again." Shadekit merely grunted, nuzzling into him until the sound of Skunknose's pawsteps made her pull away. The medicine cat smiled down at her, gently telling her to wait outside while she had to speak with Weaselstorm.
"She's a good kit, I bet StarClan smiles down on her." Skunknose meowed her voice flooded with affection towards Shadekit as she left. Weaselstorm nodded in response, but stayed quiet as he sense that Skunknose had more to stay. "She'll have the best mentor to teach everything she needs, too." She continued, a warm smile on her face as she stared at Weaselstorm while his eyes widened.
"You're - ? No, wait, I -" Skunknose silenced him with a wave of her tail and sighed.
"I talked about it with Shadowstar before Owlfur's -" She hesitated, saying 'death' still didn't feel right. "- passing. She was disappointed, but she gave me permission to resign and become a warrior by Shadekit's apprentice ceremony."
The sadness that he felt was indescribable as he blankly stared at Skunknose, his mouth opened and closed as he struggled to say anything to convince her to stay with him, but he sighed and shut his mouth as he realized that it would be selfish to make her stay with him while she clearly wasn't interested in being a medicine cat anymore. Weaselstorm kept telling himself that he saw this coming anyway, but it didn't help with his feelings in any way.
Skunknose pressed her nose against his forehead gently, a comforting gesture. "I believe in you, my apprentice. You'll be a far better medicine cat then I was." She meowed, a voice filled with such genuine and gentle emotion that it helped in calming him. Weaselstorm pulled away, still saddened by it all. "And Shadekit? Is Shadowstar going to conduct her ceremony?" He asked, changing the subject as quick as he could. Skunknose shook her head, frowning sadly.
"She hasn't come out of her den ever since she buried Owlfur, Mintclaw is conducting all ceremonies today." She replied, both cats becoming quiet. Shadowstar refused to let anyone near Owlfur's body, snarling at anyone who looked as if they were taking the slightest step towards them and not even her own kit could mourn for her father. The leader had even buried him herself, struggling to hoist his body out of camp and into the burial grounds, she came back that dawn with her front paws raw, red, and muddy after spending a long time digging a suitable grave for her deceased mate. After that, she had bitterly proclaimed Mintclaw as Owlfur's successor, though ever since it seemed as if the gray-and-white warrior became the Clan's unofficial leader as Shadowstar hardly did anything for the Clan nowadays - she spent her days inside her den staring at the wall ahead of her, sometimes cursing out StarClan's name.
With a sigh, Weaselstorm got up to his paws with Skunknose right behind him as they gathered in the clearing where Mintclaw, Shadekit, and Laurelpaw sat in the middle - both of the younger mollies staring up at the deputy. Weaselstorm had nearly forgotten about the white apprentice's warrior ceremony, she was so silent it was easy to forget that she was ever here at times. He was aware of Skunknose leaving his side to sit besides her mate and her two sons, leaving Weaselstorm to sit by himself near the deputy, it felt empty here without the former medicine cat by his side. Weaselstorm straightened himself out, silently watching as Mintclaw made her announcements and afterwards organized patrols.
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 3:12:32 GMT -8
MOON 036 Written on Feb 17, 2017. Larkclaw seemed more than eager to teach the StreamClan tom a lesson, the brown tabby had unsheathed his claws and was ready to get into a fight with Tigerwing until Shrikeface grabbed the tom's scruff in his mouth while Duckfoot quickly blocked his way by cutting in between him and Tigerwing. The older cats apologized to the tom, their tail tips twitching in agitation over Larkclaw for nearly picking a fight with a cat from an enemy Clan while their own was still recovering from losing their former deputy. After an awkward exchange, the PineClan patrol made their way back home - Shrikeface berating Larkclaw on the way. After the patrol came back, Mintclaw eagerly made her way towards the three toms and listened to their report of what happened. Larkclaw resisted the urge to laugh over the sour look that crossed the deputy's face as she looked at him when Duckfoot told of how he nearly got into a fight with a cat from their enemy Clan. With a sigh, Mintclaw ordered for the tom not to leave camp for three days and spend his time cleaning out the nursery. "Oh man, what a cruel punishment!" Larkclaw meowed jokingly as he strode into the warriors' den to nap, Mintclaw elected to ignore the young tom and instead focus on the leader, who finally left her den and stared at Larkclaw blankly. Shadowstar padded towards her deputy and the patrol, Mintclaw wincing as she noticed how thin and frail the black cat looked, it was clear that she had not eaten properly in days.
"What was that tom blabbering about?" She meowed harshly, showing none of the respect she used to have when talking about one of her warriors. Duckfoot noticed the uncertain look on Mintclaw's face, so he answered for her.
"We ran into Tigerwing, a cat from an enemy Clan, though we decided to let him go and Mintclaw ordered for him to stay in camp for three days." Shadowstar gave Duckfoot a harsh glare, though the tom did not let it faze him in any way as he stared at her evenly. The leader growled under her breath before tearing her eyes away from him and back to Mintclaw, who gulped at her intimating yellow eyes, still as sharp as ever despite her declining health.
"Next time you attack. If it resembles a threat in even the tiniest way, you strike."
All three cats were surprised at her orders, it was unlike Shadowstar to say something like that, though perhaps they should have expected that seeing as her whole demeanor had changed ever since her mate's death. It was Shrikeface that spoke up first, the gray-and-white tom certainly did not like this at all. "That's ridiculous, Shadowstar. You really want to risk our pelts over something as mousebrained like that?" He snapped, taken by surprise when Shadowstar growled at him and struck a paw against his face, claws unsheathed as she managed to score a scratch on his muzzle. Both Duckfoot and Mintclaw hissed, the latter feeling angered over seeing her brother attacked right in front of her.
"You have no right to speak to me, not after you took our old medicine cat as a mate!" Shadowstar hissed, her voice lowered to a menacing growl. Shrikeface could feel blood dripping from his new scar as he snarled at the leader, his ears flat against his head and the fur along his back began to raise. Mintclaw had to do something before they got into a fight, though before she could take action Shadowstar let out what sounded like a sad cry and collapsed on the ground, confusing everyone by her behavior.
"Everything's collapsing, my deputy is dead, my medicine cat is a warrior, and my daughter doesn't even want to look at me I just - " Shadowstar sighed, a barely audible whisper of 'I don't know' left her lips. Shrikeface had finally calmed down, his expression unreadable as he stared down at his leader before scoffing and leaving to go get his scratch checked out by Weaselstorm and Shadepaw.
Mintclaw and Duckfoot stared at each other, the deputy giving out a silent plea to help the leader back into her den, Duckfoot responded with a tiny nod as the two helped Shadowstar to her feet while the leader continued to mumble under her breath. "My mom did this to you?" Shadepaw asked in astonishment as she placed a tiny bit of cobweb onto the tom's freshly scarred muzzle, Shrikeface hummed in agreement while Weaselstorm watched on silently, feeling troubled by this piece of news. This was no way for a leader to act in his opinion, he began to grow worried as to how Shadowstar was going to lead her Clan in the coming moons if she continued to act like this. Perhaps even she would need to step down from her rank and give it over to Mintclaw, though he had a feeling that the leader would not be so willing to give her title. He was pulled out his thoughts as he overheard Shrikeface ask over how his grandkit was doing.
"Acornkit is doing great! She's so cute and chubby." The apprentice replied, feeling relieved that she didn't have to linger on the thought of her mother for now, she had sadly grown uncomfortable being around Shadowstar ever since she was apprenticed. It just hurt her to see her like this while she was powerless to help, Shadepaw was often consumed by helplessness every time she looked in her mother's way that she just didn't really want to look at her at all any more.
"I feel old every time I look at her," Shrikeface admitted, Shadepaw blinking in surprise before remembering their conversation. "my kit has a kit. It's incredible." He continued, a smile on his face as he thought more about his family.
Shadepaw chuckled awkwardly, how weird that Shrikeface was so content with his life while hers felt like it was in complete disarray, she had to admit that she felt envious about it. She forced a smile and purr, aware of her mentor's eyes on her back as he grew aware of how she felt - Weaselstorm's attentiveness to her feelings was both admirable and annoying. "It sure is, well anyway, you're just fine. Just uh, try not to get on my mom's nerves anymore." She meowed, watching as the tom nodded and thanked her as he left. Once he had gone, Shadepaw released a deep sigh she had been holding while Weaselstorm placed a comforting tail on her back.
"Let's go, leech. We oughta go herb collecting." He meowed, Shadepaw chuckling over the nickname she had gained as kit over constantly following her mentor around. She purred at him, thankful that at least he was around in her life, and so the two went out.
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 3:18:15 GMT -8
MOON 037 Written on Feb 20, 2017. Shadowstar snarled at the Moonpool, her whole body trembling from both anger and weakness as she approached the sparkling waters. "Give me my mate and son back." She hissed through her teeth just as she touched her nose to the pool, though as her vision blurred, she knew that such a request would not be heard by StarClan. "So how did you find your first Gathering?" Weaselstorm asked as he and Shadepaw spent their morning clearing the den of dried herbs, Shadepaw stopped in her task, her blue eyes shining as she recalled the night before.
"It was great! I mean of course I was a little nervous, but everyone I spoke to was so nice!" She exclaimed, though the one tom she had met from WitherClan was still on her mind, causing her to suddenly gaze shyly at her paws. Weaselstorm gazed curiously at his apprentice as she suddenly stopped speaking, though he thought nothing of it. The two cats quietly resumed their work, Shadepaw deciding to tease her mentor once she felt as if he was caught off-guard. "And Hearthflame was adorable." She said, chuckling under her breath as a surprised mew left him.
Her laugh grew louder as Weaselstorm playfully shoved her, taking note of how he avoided staring directly at her to hide what she presumed was a blush. "That's enough, let's go get more herbs. We're gonna need them."
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Apr 29, 2020 3:27:28 GMT -8
MOON 038 Written on Feb 28, 2017. It had been an uncomfortable walk to PineClan, for both the leader and the young cat who was trailing behind her, staring at his new leader with an uneasy look in his big green eyes. He had no idea what he did wrong to offend her, but it hurt to know that she already disliked him. With a sad whimper, the black tom stared at his paws as he continued to the follow the molly, unaware of the silent gasp that left Shadowstar's mouth as she turned her head to look back at him. Her eyes grew dark and a frown settled on her face once more as she looked forward again, even the tiniest sounds of the cat's throat reminded her too much of Molekit, a heavy pain griped her heart as her son's image appeared in her memory - his weak mews and pained whimpers still rang loudly through her head even though he had been gone for moons now.
...And now a cat had been given to her that looked so eerily similar to her lost kit that it made the memories even harder to bare, Shadowstar's jaws clenched into the beginnings of a snarl, StarClan is too cruel. Several sunrises had passed ever since the young black tom, scornfully named 'Ratpaw' by the leader as she viewed him as a pest, had joined PineClan. Ratpaw did not even have a complete apprentice ceremony nor a warm welcome to the Clan as they were busy recovering and getting their wounds checked by both Weaselstorm and Shadepaw, the latter felt too sick to her stomach to see the bleeding pelts of her Clanmates that she felt too overwhelmed by it all and began to wail at the top of her lungs until Skunknose quickly rushed to her side and lead her out of camp, whispering words of comfort into the molly's ears. Shadowstar had been enraged upon seeing the damage done to her Clan, blaming EchoClan for their state despite that no one from that Clan had set a paw on them.
It had actually been TumbleClan, StreamClan, and ReedClan who had found against them - hearing that their allies from ReedClan assisted those from TumbleClan enraged the leader even further. Her sharp claws scored deep marks on the ground when she heard the news, snarling that they were supposed to their allies and how disgusting it was that Troutstar decided to side with someone other than them. The tiniest bit of comfort was attempted when Mintclaw had said that JinxClan willingly came to help them, though it was in vain as Shadowstar's mind was still on ReedClan's betrayal. Her mood had been bitter and snappy ever since, tail lashing from anger constantly and growling under her breath. Mintclaw decided to stay away.
Mintclaw had been talking to Rowanpelt and Ratpaw about their training, Shadowstar had not formally given the tom a mentor, so it was up to the deputy to choose one suitable for the apprentice. She had settled on Rowanpelt, the tom was fair and kind, surely he'd make Ratpaw's experience in PineClan much better then how he was initially welcomed. The leader stalked out of her den and stared coldly at the black apprentice, Ratpaw gulped as he could feel her harsh gaze directed right at him, though thankfully his mentor lead him to go training before he had to bear it even more. Shadowstar padded up to Mintclaw just as the two left, unaware of how the deputy tensed at her presence. "I've decided: I will never bow to StarClan ever again, I can't believe I trusted in them as long as I had." She stated, her voice cold and empty.
Mintclaw gasped, but before she could say anything Shadowstar raised her voice so that all in the camp's clearing could hear. "Do you hear me? PineClan will never trust in StarClan again! We trust in ourselves and ourselves only!" She declared, causing for caterwauls of protest to erupt from the formally quiet camp. Weaselstorm pushed Shadepaw inside the medicine cat den while she stared at her mother in shock, the tom stormed up to the leader to beat some sense in her head, though he blocked by Skunknose's feathery tail and her warning glance before she herself padded up to the leader calmly.
"Shadowstar, what you ask of us to do is absurd, we can't just abandon our ancestors like that. If we don't have StarClan to guide us we're lost." The molly mewed, flinching back as Shadowstar hissed in her face, the fur along her neck rising.
"And why should I ever listen to a word you say? I've lost all respect for you ever since you gave birth to those two heathens you call sons." Shadowstar snarled through yellowed teeth, making both Skunknose and Weaselstorm gasp in shock over how threatening the leader looked and how referred to both Magpiewhisker and Aspenheart. Weaselstorm's hackles raised, ready to shout over how ridiculous the leader was acting, though he stopped as soon as Shrikeface pushed past him and shielded Skunknose with his body, his yellow stare venomous as glared at Shadowstar. Magpiewhisker and Aspenheart followed, standing behind their mother protectively, Aspenheart's glare was just as angry as his father's while his brother rubbed his cheek against Skunknose's in comfort.
"One more word offending Skunknose or my sons, and I won't hesitate to kill you." Shrikeface threatened, Shadowstar scoffed in response and craned her neck upwards to give Shrikeface easy access to do as he said.
"Good ahead and try, I'd still have seven lives regardless of what you'd do." She mewed lowly, Mintclaw hissed and disregarded any respect for her leader as she shoved her away from his brother, a smirk on her face as Shadowstar gasped in surprise as she hadn't expected for her deputy to get involved.
"Watch your tongue, Shadow. That's my brother and family you're up against." She surprised herself at how she lacked in saying Shadowstar's suffix, knowing well that it meant she held no respect for her leader, and to be honest she certainly did not.
She missed the prideful look on her brother's face as he watched her continue to shove the leader out of camp, it had been so long since she had acknowledged Shrikeface as her kin - it was nice to hear that again from her. Shadowstar hissed continuously as Mintclaw pushed her, but she had grown so weak over the past few moons that it was helpless to defend herself against the stronger molly. She made a grunt of pain as the deputy gave her a harsh enough shove to send her to the ground outside of PineClan camp, snarling up at the gray-and-white feline as she stared at her pitifully. "Come back when you begin acting like a leader again." Mintclaw meowed, her yellow-green stared on Shadowstar as the black cat got up to her paws and sprinted away.
When Mintclaw was sure that Shadowstar vanished, she heaved out a sigh she had been holding and felt her paws grow wobbly as she head back inside camp, feeling anxious as her Clanmates stared at her with wide-eyes - she hadn't been aware of how everyone was watching how she dealt with their leader. She felt worried of what they thought of her as they continued to gaze silently, Larkclaw had been the first to break the silence and cheer her name, the rest of PineClan's members following after him. Mintclaw laughed awkwardly as she didn't know how to take the attention, but the positive reaction from her Clan filled her with relief. When the crowd died down, she began to conduct patrols as usual and thoughts of what to do when Shadowstar returned.
'I have to challenge her for leadership, StarClan knows what she'll do if she stays in power.'
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deimos
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Post by deimos on Jul 18, 2020 5:22:43 GMT -8
MOON 039 Written on Mar 4, 2017. The PineClan deputy stood atop a large stone that jutted from the ground a little further away from camp, her hazel eyes were sharp as flint as she keep watch for any signs of her wayward leader, who had not been sighted ever since yesterday. With the tiniest flicker of worry, Mintclaw wondered if Shadowstar was somewhere out there laying in the quickly piling snow, buried under the unforgiving ice and cold. The gray-and-white cat growled under her breath as she thought that such a scenario was deserving for the black molly, since she had shown such disdain and scorn towards her brother's family. Surprisingly, it had brought her and Shrikeface together, as Mintclaw had avoided the tom ever since he had taken the former medicine cat Skunknose as a mate. Although the deputy was ashamed of herself for seeing Shadowstar lash out like that was all it took for her to connect with her kin again.
"Mintclaw!" The deep voice of Duckfoot exclaimed, the molly jumped down from the rock and waited until Duckfoot could spot her, watching as he quickly ran up to her. The tabby tom gave her a fretful lick on the head and pulled her close to his chest, she savored the warmth of his body and sighed in content as she nuzzled into his long fur. After a few moments, the two cats reluctantly pulled away and Mintclaw met the concerned eyes of Duckfoot. "I was so worried something happened to you." He confessed, twining his tail with hers. Mintclaw tore her eyes away and stared at the snow underneath her paws, and then to both their tails.
"I'm nervous about what's coming next, but..." Mintclaw could see the smiling faces of Shrikeface and Skunknose in her mind, followed by Aspenheart and Magpiewhisker's visages, the latter laughing as he cuddled by his mate's side and fondly stared at their only daughter. Then the happy images were replaced by the dark and unwelcoming silhouette of Shadowstar, her gleaming yellow eyes were devoid of any emotion. "I have to stand up to her, for my Clan, and for my family." She meowed with utter conviction and determination, Duckfoot nodded in approval and stared at Mintclaw with utmost pride. "And I promise to be with you every step of the way." He meowed, causing for Mintclaw to smile and press her nose to his.
"I'm so grateful to have you by my side, I love you so much." She whispered, causing for Duckfoot to chuckle and purr loudly. "You stole the words right from my mouth." Comfreyfang was shaking, and no, it had nothing to do with the cold - but with the thought of finally confessing to her longtime crush of many moons: Minkcloud. The chocolate tabby was inside the warriors' den, grooming herself and looking like the most beautiful cat that ever roamed this earth. Comfreyfang felt her heart swell up with unbridled affection and love for the pretty molly, and she once again felt intimidated to ask her to become her mate. 'No! You can do this, Comfreyfang! You've wanted this for so long!' She mentally exclaimed, bracing herself as she strode inside the den and felt herself grow warm as Minkcloud smiled sweetly and greeted her as she walked inside. Comfreyfang stiffly laid down on her nest besides her denmate, clearing her throat to gain her attention.
"I-I, have... something, important to tell you." Comfreyfang stuttered, staring at her paws which were tucked underneath her chest, Minkcloud blinked and made a questioning trill as she waited for the gray tabby to continue. Comfreyfang felt herself grow shy once again, even more so now that her crush was expecting an answer. "There's... there's a blizzard coming. We uh, got to stay inside." As soon as the words left her mouth, Comfreyfang immediately yowled at herself in various tones over the pitiful attempt to dodge what she truly wanted to say, her mental yowls increased in volume as the disappointed sigh of Minkcloud was heard.
'This is impossible! You're impossible!' She screamed, and without a second thought, Comfreyfang left everything to impulse as she let everything spill. "The truth if, you're amazing! And I love you so much it kills me, everything about you makes me so happy that you're alive and with me and the thought of being your mate makes me the happiest cat in the world and I really, really-" Comfreyfang gasped as Minkcloud laughed softly and gave her an affectionate lick on the cheek. "I love you too, you big mousebrain! I always have." She responded, both relief and joy in her tone. Comfreyfang honestly felt like she was going to cry, though thankfully she let out an exuberant laugh instead and nuzzle against Minkcloud's soft fur. "I'm glad... I'm so glad." Skunknose and Shrikeface stood at the edge of the creek where they had confessed so many moons ago when they were younger. The molly sighed as she stared at her reflection in the frozen water, her mind was still clouded from time to time over what Shadowstar had said to her. It was strange how her leader had changed to a respectful and fair ruler to what she was now, and to be honest, it scared her of what could happen next. Shrikeface too had been affected by what Shadowstar said, it was only natural, as he had not only been attacked and been given a scar across the muzzle from her a couple moons back but that she went a step too far and insulted his mate and their kits in front of all of PineClan to hear. Shrikeface regretted that he let her walk away free, he should have struck her down when he had the chance.
Skunknose got her mate's attention as she placed her paw on top of his, summoning up the most comforting look she could give to him even though she had a cloud of uncertainty and anxiety floating over her head. Shrikeface smiled at her attempt to calm him, sighing blissfully as his rested his head on top of hers and pulled her closer to him. The two mates stayed in this position for a while, their presence being their greatest source of peace and comfort as it always had been ever since the two had first realized and acknowledged their feelings for each other. "I'm madly in love with you, Skunknose. You're my favorite, favorite thing." Shrikeface whispered, Skunknose smiled, even though she heard him say it every day - it never grew old.
"I'm so happy you've always been with me, I'm just really happy your mine." Skunknose mewed, her voice trembling as she threatened to cry over feeling too emotional, Shrikeface smiled as well and murmured sweet and loving mews in her ear before the two pulled away. The tom had never felt so enamored with anything until he met her, she truly was the greatest cat that he had the fortune to know. "Let's stay here for a little longer, I'm not ready to leave yet." Rowanpelt was growing worried, the sound of the wind howling had begun to increase and his dear friend Wasptail still had not come back from her lone patrol. The tom sat in the clearing of camp, his heart beginning to beat fast as he thought that maybe the ginger tabby went missing. He was already stressed over not being able to see Velvetrabbit ever since the battle with TumbleClan, now his most trusted companion was gone and that was just adding more to his current strained state. He had half a mind to go out and search for her, though that would most likely cause more problems than resolutions, so he resigned himself by staying and hoping for the best. He supposed he could train Ratpaw in camp to keep his mind off Wasptail, but the young tom was currently curled up in the apprentice's den fast asleep.
Thankfully the sound of pawsteps could be heard approaching camp and Rowanpelt shot up to his paws, though he felt his ears droop in disappointment as it was just Mintclaw and Duckfoot instead, the deputy approaching the medicine cat den were Weaselstorm and Shadepaw were currently sheltered while her friend stood just outside. Rowanpelt kept his eyes to the entrance, hoping that the next cat would be Wasptail, and it seemed that his hopes were not in vain as the tabby entered a few minutes later. There was a big smile on her face despite that she was out in the freezing cold, trotting up to Rowanpelt and greeting him happily becoming rushing him to the most secluded part of camp.
With a confused chuckle, Rowanpelt asked about what made Wasptail so happy today. "What's going with you? Last time you were so happy was when Acornkit was born." He meowed, referring the young brown-and-white kit that was her niece's daughter. Wasptail's gaze softened, something about kits made her happier than usual as of late. The comforting white pelt of Ramhorn flashed in her mind before she responded to her friend. "Listen, Rowanpelt. I trust you, so I hope you're willing to understand me here." She meowed seriously, causing for the russet-colored tom to nod and wait until she told him her mate. "It's about Ramhorn of EchoClan. He's well... I don't mean to be dramatic but, he's the love of my life." She mewed with sincere fondness and love, reminding Rowanpelt of how much he cared for Velvetrabbit of JinxClan.
"I just wanted to ask if you're okay with posing as the father for our kits, it'd mean so much if you could help." Wasptail meowed, feeling pleased at how Rowanpelt nodded without even a second thought. "Of course I would! You're my best friend, I'd do anything for you." He responded, he didn't even care about the fact that his friend came out about being mates with a medicine cat, the thought of her happiness mattered most to him. He supposed since she was this comfortable with revealing such a secret, it was only right for him to open up as well. "And let me tell you something, there's a cat from JinxClan I know, her name's Velvetrabbit - and I think I love her just as much as you love Ramhorn too." "Mintclaw? Funny seeing you here." Weaselstorm meowed, his bright blue eyes standing out from the rest of the dimly lit medicine den, Mintclaw didn't mean to exaggerate - but there were times she honestly thought she could see stars in the tom's eyes. Shadepaw seemed more subdued than her mentor, turning her head away from the deputy and staring at the wall. "She probably knows what I'm going to say.' Mintclaw figured, feeling sympathetic towards the young apprentice, Shadowstar was her mother - it was only natural she was going to feel a little more then depressed over what was going on with her. "Well? State your business, I'm already tired of convincing all the kits to stick in the nursery, can't be bothered to put with anything else for long."
Mintclaw huffed at the medicine cat's tone, she let it slide this time, she as well as the rest of the Clan knew how snappy he could be with every cat who wasn't his apprentice. "I need your input about challenging Shadowstar." She mewed, not missing the way Shadepaw flinched, Weaselstorm's eyes narrowed as he Mintclaw a sour look for being the reason his apprentice reacted like that. "Shadepaw, could you go stay with Fawnfur and the kits?" He asked her gently, the black cat was grateful for the excuse to leave and quickly made her way outside. Weaselstorm waited until she was out of hearing distance before he told Mintclaw his opinion.
"Well, now that you're here - might as well tell you what I saw at the Moonpool." He meowed, Mintclaw's ears pricked up in interest as she listened intently to what the medicine cat was going to say. "I was supposed to tell you earlier, but it slipped my mind seeing as I'm trying my best to make sure none of my Clanmates die this leaf-bare." Weaselstorm looked outside, the snow falling fast and covering camp in a thick blanket of snow. "Imagine PineClan being quiet and void of any life, like no cat had ever placed their paws here." Mintclaw gulped, already fearful of what Weaselstorm's dream meant. "There were eight ravens resting on the fresh-kill pile, signifying Shadowstar's eight lives." Weaselstorm's face twisted into one where it seemed like he just ate something bitter before going on.
"Now here's the kicker, they were all slowly rotting when I went up to them, the eighth was already swarmed with maggots that I could hardly see the bird. StarClan's trying to tell me Shadowstar's reign isn't going to last long, she's going to stopped - somehow." And with that he finished, leaving Mintclaw feel all her burdens were piling up over her shoulders again - threatening to crush her with their weight. Eventually the deputy released a slow, heavy sigh all while Weaselstorm stared at her silently. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, I just wish things didn't have to turn out this way." She mewed quietly, Weaselstorm shook his head. "Life can't all be sunshine and daisies, these are dark times for our Clan. But you can bring us out of it, you're strong, and all of PineClan is behind you."
Mintclaw smiled at his words, and before she was to thank him she jumped at the sound of Larkclaw calling her name as the tom ran into camp. "Oh, Mintclaw~! I've got a message for you!" The brown tabby exclaimed, watching the deputy exited the medicine den and stared at him in confusion. Larkclaw paused for a few minutes to purposely make her angry for keeping her waiting until he finally meowed what he was supposed to say. "Our dear leader wishes to see you, she's waiting in the training hollow, looking like some kinda angry badger. You better not keeping her waiting." He said with a chuckle, smirking as Mintclaw didn't even reply and rushed out of camp and went to their destination.
Mintclaw ignored the cold wind whipping in her face as she ran, only focused on meeting with the leader to see what the cat wanted from her. She could see the thin, bony frame of Shadowstar waiting expectantly for her just ahead - her black pelt really made it seem like she was nothing but a shadow - truly a fit for her name. Shadowstar had her head raised as she noticed Mintclaw heading her way, she stayed deathly quiet as the deputy skidded to a stop and stared at her angrily. "I see Larkclaw did his job," She mewed, standing up to her paws to slowly circle Mintclaw, stumbling as a strong gust of a wind nearly sent her falling, but she regained her balance quickly. "let's see who StarClan likes better, hmm? A battle between leader and deputy, that should be interesting." She mewed, and even though she was bone-thin and weak, her meow and cold gaze sent shivers down Mintclaw's back.
"If I win, you give up leadership to me." Mintclaw meowed with a growl, it grew louder as Shadowstar chuckled in amusement. The cat unsheathed her claws, readying herself in a battle stance while Mintclaw did the same. "And what if you lose?" She asked, clearly taunting her deputy as she spoke in a unconvincingly pitiful mew. Mintclaw shook her head, her eyes never leaving Shadowstar. "I won't." Shadowstar frowned, disliking the cat's determination. "Fine, now stand and fight." Mintclaw wasted no time as she charged towards Shadowstar, the only thought on her mind was to win and come back as the leader her Clan needed.
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