MOON 0 - LEAF-FALL
“What was your old clan like?”
“Hm? Where’d that come from?”
“Well, you’re a clan cat. According to the stories, clan cats don’t usually leave their territory—let alone their clan permanently! So, there had to be something about your clan that made you leave.”
Faiththorn paused for a moment. It was sunhigh, a perfect time for a nap, not for stressors like this! Urgh, I’m too old for stupid kit questions.
She averted her gaze and noticed Flax and that new cat looking at her and Bella. They were beside the fallen log, the one they’d been using as a meeting spot. Bella turned her head to look too, which Flax responded by motioning them over with his paw.
Bella was quick to arise. The young cat still could get up without issue. Faiththorn wasn’t so lucky, taking a moment to hoist herself up, letting out a grunt as she did so.
They hobbled over to greet the now 3 cats by the log. The new gray cat seemed awfully excited for some reason. As she joined them, Bella broke the silence, asking, “What’s going on?”
“Well, I thought I would have a meeting with everyone, as we’re having a new cat join us. Faiththorn, do you know if Aspenecho and Milo are here? Or are they still out hunting?”
Faiththorn didn’t pause to think, simply tilting her head over towards the bushes and shouted, “ASPEN! MILO! ARE YOU THERE?”
The call startled the newcomer, which she didn’t need to see as the loud jingle from the bell against their blue collar indicated a quick jolt. What was their name again?
Shortly after, an annoyed yowl cried back, “WHAT? YOU WOKE UP REDKIT!”
Aspenecho, eyes bleary from being jolted awake, popped his head out from the bushes. As their body emerged from the shadows, a bouncy red kitten ran out from under the legs of the lanky wildcat.
He tottered over as Redkit began to do his usual laps around the sink. Stars above, that kit has so much energy. Shortly after, Milo also crept out from under the bush, and teetered towards the gathering cats. He let out an annoyed groan, “What do you want???”
Flax was about to sink into himself. The newcomer was puzzled. He squeaked out, “Umm… Faiththorn, what I wanted to say was important, but it could’ve waited.”
She shrugged, “Well, now we’ve got everyone. So, you can spit it out.”
“Alright,” He sighed.
“Well, for a while it was just me here, then it was you, Aspenecho, and Redkit. Then Bella and Milo joined last moon cycle, and now, since a few days ago, we have them,” he motioned towards the gray cat, “And well, they want to join our little group.”
Milo piped up, “That’s great and all, but what’s so important that we need to have a meeting about it? You didn’t have a meeting like this for me.”
Bella continued, “Yeah, there’s got to be more to this.”
Flax growled, “If you let me continue, I could explain.” He glared at the two who interrupted his little speech. They fell silent.
“Well, they want to change their name. That was their whole reason for leaving the life of a kittypet because others wouldn’t accept them—"
“That makes two.”
“Shut up, Milo!”
“Thanks Bella… and that gave me the idea… we could make this group we have an official clan! You wouldn’t have to change your name if you don’t want to, but they could.”
Faiththorn’s fur raised, “Are you serious?”
“Course I am! Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own clan to live in again?”
“He’s got a point,” Aspenecho inched towards her. “Having a clan to surround and love Redkit would be best for him.”
“You said my name!” Redkit bounced over, “What are you guys talking about?”
Faiththorn started, raising her paw to slowly push him away, “It’s none of your—”
“Flax wants to start a clan!” the newcomer meowed excitedly.
Redkit leaped over Faiththorn’s paw, and went over towards Flax, “Really? That sounds so cool! Like unkie Aspen’s talked about? I want to join! Can I join? Can I join?!”
“Of course you can!” Aspenecho purred, “I’d love to join a new clan too!”
“Yay!”
“You told him the stories?” Faith hissed quietly, glaring at the light gray tom.
“Only the basics…”
“Why not?” Bella piped in.
“You don’t know anything about this situation.”
Grumbling, Bella retorted, “I think I do.”
“No, you—”
“Are we in agreement? To make this a clan?” Flax meowed, interrupting their whispering match. The Newcomer, Redkit, and Milo, were also staring at the three.
Milo piped up again, “Feels like a bit of a commitment, but I don’t have anything specifically against the idea.”
Aspen meowed, “There likely wouldn’t be any big changes, not at first, at least. So don’t worry about it.” Turning to Flax, “I’d be glad to help you run a clan as your deputy, if you’d accept my help.”
“Wait, you want me to lead? I didn’t say that!”
The Newcomer noted, “Well, it was your idea. Why wouldn’t you be the leader?”
“And you’ve been doing a lot of the running of this little group already,” Aspenecho continued.
“I—guess you’re right. Yeah, I could be leader.”
Redkit meowed, “You’d be a cool leader!”
“Thanks, kiddo!”
Milo meowed, “so that makes me, them, Flax, Aspenecho, and Redkit. Bella, are you in?” She nodded, and inched closer to them.
“Faiththorn?”
Aspenecho gave her an encouraging smile. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”
Her eyes darted between him and Redkit. The kit’s smile was wide, and he was wiggling with excitement. Maybe this is what Starclan meant.
She took a deep breath before nodding.
“So it’s settled! Welcome Harepaw to—‘undecided name’ Clan.” Redkit giggled at that. Flax continued, “We’ll work on names later. But welcome everyone!”
Event: Harepaw joins the clan!