The lovely clan members of Emerald clan!! I do have plans of drawing them and making like intro comics? Idk if comic is the right word but just a little something fun to properly introduce them c:
Updates will be slow because I'm unsure if I want to do comics or write about the events that happen every moon. But in the meantime, I'm also learning how to draw cats because in case I do choose the comic route, I want to be able to draw these silly kitties properly! Super sorry if this blog goes quiet for a while :'3
Hello, hello!! My name is jumpingkelpie, but feel free to call me jumpie, kelps, or jk!! This is my first time making a blog about something I like and actually using Tumblr, so bare with me as I figure this place out c':
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I plan for this blog to be, well, about my clangen cars and their day to day lives! I have intention for this to be like a slice of life mixed with a little fairytale vibe to it. I'm still gathering information about the silly cats in Emerald clan because I had progress a little with their clan and thought about making a blog like 15 moons later, so it will not start from moon 0 but rather moon 20. Just diving right into the fun!
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This blog will be a constant wip because this is my first doing anything like this, so things will be changing every now and then but for now, I just want to make this post so things can start moving! I'm very excited to share all the fun little things that go on within the mossy walls of Emerald clan!!
The leaves where too still, the air to clear for his taste. Nightpaw crawled through the bushes and ferns trying to stay quiet. Why him? He could get into trouble doing this and he didn’t want to seem ungrateful, but he needed to settle this. He could smell her nearby but he couldn’t find where she was exactly, not until her claws embedded into his ribs.
“Gale!” He hissed out in pain at the dirty, flower and feather covered cat.
“Aye there. What you doing?” Gale asked looking over Nightpaw shoulder.
“Well…I live here now. They call me Nightpaw. You should come back with me.” Nightpaw urged gruffly. He knew she’d argue.
“Nah. Nothing in that clan they have is for me.” Gale mewed and licked her paw.
“It’s better than dying out here alone.” Nightpaw shot back bitterly. It was clear he was frustrated.
“Yeah? So what? This clan cats can’t lay a paw on me. They’re wasting time hunting for others.” Gale pointed out with a sly smirk.
“I’m here trying to help you.” Nightpaw mewed back but backed up when Gale leaned in. A dark flash of grey stunned them both as she stood there.
“Nightpaw. Who’s this and what are you doing?” Sootpaw asked trying to look confident. Gale could see right through her however.
“What me to prove it to you? I can beat her I bet!” Gale mewed with a smirk at Nightpaw.
“You shall not lay a paw on my future medicine cat.” A deeper voice rang out.
“Unless you wanna start seeing stars.” He added with a brief smile.
“Silverstar!” Sootpaw gasped realizing she may have accidently dropped Nightpaw into a wasp’s nest. Wolfthorn and Oakstep followed close behind.
“Hey! I know you. You’re the kit that attacked me.” Oakstep howled out loud while her face twisted in confusion. Hostility burned in Wolfthorn’s yellow eye.
“Well now. That true kit?” Silverstar asked turning his head to breath in Gale’s scent. It was odd, crushed berries and dirt. Bird feathers, mud, flowers as well.
“Yeah. Now what? All of you are gonna kill me?” Gale huffed, her fur standing on end.
“Starclan no! But we do have to do something about this. So how about it kit? You come with us to be a clan cat?” Silverstar purred warmly.
“I’ll come with you. But only if you win.” Gale spoke with a swish of her tail.
“Listen here you little brat-“ Wolfthorn snapped but her leader’s tail shushed her.
“Win what?” Silverstar asked calmly. The leader didn’t seem bothered by the rudeness he was getting.
“A fight with me! I’ll show you clan cats. You’re all dumb as dogs!” Gale mewed loudly. Everyone grew silent like mice sensing a predator.
“Okay.” Silverstar shrugged and stood up, he wished his tail to tell Wolfthorn and Oakstep to back up and Sootpaw pulled Nightpaw away.
“Is he gonna kill her?” Nightpaw asked his voice quivering.
“No.” Sootpaw whispered back as the two stood, tails up.
Gale was a fast blur as she shot out at Silverstar, he barely moved an inch lifting his paw out and slinging Gale to the side. He could hear the thudding pawsteps of Gale struggle to get up. She shouldered away from the bracken and jumped again, only to be flipped over on her back and pinned with one of Silverstar’s paws. He looked mildly curious but nothing more.
“How- How you do that?!” Gale cried in awe. Silverstar chuckled and lifted his paw. The fight was over in seconds.
“Training.” He mewed and turned around.
“Come on let’s go.” Silverstar purred happily.
“Gale!” Nightpaw shrieked out as he tripped over his own paws to get to her.
“That guy! He’s so strong! I want that, I wanna do those moves!” Gale purred suddenly. Nightpaw looked shocked. He’d expected her to refuse he won and storm off but she stayed. Sootpaw rolled her eyes thinking the loner was just like a little kit, but this meant she also didn’t have as bad of intentions as Sootpaw thought.
“He said your name is Gale?” Silverstar asked looking over his shoulder.
“Yeah like a wind!” Gale purred proudly her fur rising around her shoulders.
“Then how about I call you Galepaw?” He purred happily as they walked back to their ‘dumb’ clan.
Sootpaw sniffed over the herbs carefully detailing the number and freshness of each. The sorrel was looking nice and fresh, but the daisy leaves where in low supply. She needed coltsfoot, thyme, mallow, and horsetail too. The influx of members was making it hard to remember what she needed. What she really wanted however was a break.
“Need anything Maplepaw?” Sootpaw asked over her shoulder to the feline.
“Not at all. Be careful.” They confirmed and affectionately warned, stepping aside for Sootpaw.
Sootpaw assured them that she would and passed Sapfoot checking over some old scars on one of the new cats. She swore the cat was glaring right through her as she walked but not every loner was like that. In fact, she liked one of the new apprentices. Nightpaw seemed very sweet and nervous when he arrived, possible do to the fact he pointed out the leader’s blindness when they first met however she could relate. The most they’d talked was when she offered him some fresh bedding but she could still feel in her heart that he was kind. She thought Crowsong as a mentor suited him! Sootpaw continued on her root and felt Hornetpaw brush past her in a hurry. His maw carried a few sticks for the expanding den. It was time to get busy, the world waited for no one. The forest’s lush ground made it easy to walk, each step felt light. Her eyes shifted from plant to plant, looking for the ones she needed. Horsetail was easy to find and she gathered it quickly. Normally some grew behind the medicine cat den but it seemed a little weak at the moment. Coltsfoot was also in sight. She chuckled and bounced over to it smiling. A single ladybug crawled over a leaf looking for it’s next meal. She admired the gleaming bug for a moment until a dull white caught her eye in the background.
A mouse skull shown in the dirt while a few other of it’s bones rested nearby. Sootpaw felt an uneasiness warp through her, but she didn’t know why. Mice died, it was just a fact. Maybe one of the loners killed it and didn’t bury it. That was fine, they were new after all. She stood and walked over to cover the remains but something about it mad her spine tingle. The ladybug from before flew in front of her face and startled her for a moment. Swiftly she shook away her thoughts and pulled the dirt carefully over the skull and bones of the smaller creature before turning back to pick the Coltsfoot. In her hurry she forgot the other herbs she had needed. As she walked she spotted Mistheart nodding towards a loner with a small smile.
“What name did you pick?” He asked casually as he packed the den’s outer walls.
“Well…My old name was Tin but it’s time to leave that name behind. I chose Turtle. So….you’ll call me?” The odd looking loner asked back as he limped forward. Sootpaw noticed on odd covering on the back of his leg where is foot was missing.
“Turtlepaw! Since you’re not a warrior yet.” Mistheart clarified kindly. The newly made apprentice nodded seeming to understand slightly. His body was odd, his head seemed pushed in along with odd wrinkly fur.
“Turtlepaw. Interesting. And who are you?” Turtlepaw mewed in confusion as Sootpaw breezed by them. She didn’t bother to listen to the rest.
“Sapfoot? I found some herbs.” Sootpaw muttered though tight jaws, but Sapfoot still hadn’t returned.
“What me to help you sort them?” Maplepaw asked pulling some moss out of their claw.
“Sure, that would…be good.” Sootpaw murmured as she set down the herbs. Maplepaw picked up the horsetail and slid it into the groves gently but when they got to the coltsfoot their face showed puzzlement.
“Just horsetail and coltsfoot?” They questioned causing Sootpaw to spit a bitter curse at the ground.
“I forgot the mallow and thyme!” Sootpaw huffed shaking her head.
“I can find you some mallow. It’s not a problem.” Maplepaw offered lightly seeing the stress build in their friend’s eyes.
“But it’s not your duty, it’s mine.” Sootpaw sighed out, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“You’re just worrying. Let me get the mallow, you can go see if Sapfoot needs any help.” Maplepaw insisted as they rose to find the missing plant.
Sapfoot was rubbing some paste on Blazefur’s paw pads, trying to soothe their sting. She could tell it was working already. Her eyes wondered over Sapfoot’s shoulder towards the crowd. Some warriors had to double mentor to train the loners. She couldn’t imagine the stress. Sapfoot looked back at her and gave her a gentle smile.
“Anything I can help you with Sapfoot?” Sootpaw asked nodding towards Blazefur kindly.
“Yeah um…Nightpaw. He’s been a little nervous. Just check him over make sure nothing’s wrong.” Sapfoot asked and she pressed on Blazefur’s shoulder whispering a few questions to him.
“Alright.” Sootpaw hummed as she walked by the cats walking about. She spotted Nightpaw and padded over to him.
“Nightpaw, er…Hi. I’m Sootpaw the um…medicine cat apprentice.” She babbled out a small hint a fear hitting her. Oh god he’d look at her weird.
“Oh! Yeah. Um…H-Hi Sootpaw.” Nightpaw chuckled with a tense smile. He must have been nervous too.
“I’m just going to check you over alright?” Sootpaw hummed lightly as she waited for him to agree. Turns out nothing much was wrong, just simply nerves getting the best of him but she couldn’t help but notice how thin he was.
“Wanna get a mouse with me?” she offered nodding towards the pile. Nightpaw opened his mouth to speak before another cat bumped against him.
“Nightpaw? They gave me an ‘apprentice’ name. Weird one. Leafpaw or something. This clan is odd.” The cat mewed laying her chin on Nightpaw’s head. She was an adult cat but even so she made Nightpaw look so tiny.
“Did you prefer Carrie?” Nightpaw asked her calmly giving Sootpaw a short apologetic look.
“Nah it’s fine just…different.” Leafpaw huffed before glancing at Sootpaw.
“Who’re you?” She questioned bored, her eyes dulled.
“Sootpaw.” The apprentice greeted quickly. This cat was scary! Leafpaw looked unamused and turned her head to glance at another passing warrior.
“I was just about to eat something with Sootpaw. Maybe.” Nightpaw started off and Leafpaw slid in.
“Sounds good.” She huffed and stood to walk over to the pile. Sootpaw shyly followed after Nightpaw as they all picked something. As promised she and Nightpaw got a mouse but Leafpaw was bent on eating a rather nice rabbit.
“Dry.” She muttered unsatisfied. Sootpaw could barely hold her surprise. Normally rabbits where saved for warriors, queens, and elders unless a good season was on. This cat dare complain? She blamed it on her being new and tried shaking it off.
“When I train more. I promise to get you a better rabbit.” Nightpaw offered weakly. Leafpaw seemed pleased and nodded her head before bending to continue eating. Sootpaw didn’t doubt his loyality, she simply nodded and tried to get use to the new apprentices.
Sootpaw heard a few mumbles from outside the den and figured Maplepaw was talking to Spottedpaw and Hornetpaw again. The sun was rising and it was still so early. Sootpaw rubbed her eyes and tried to sleep again but it was too late. She could hear the apprentices taking outside.
“We’re not leaving you Maplepaw.” Spottedpaw hummed softly.
“Whatever happens we do together.” Hornetpaw agreed, curling his colored tail over his white body.
“But being warriors is such a big honor. Don’t put it off just for me.” Maplepaw muttered shaking their head.
“Maplepaw no, you don’t understand. We just can’t. It would be the same without you beside us.” Spottedpaw prowled on, hurt melting into his yellow eyes.
The conversation continued but Sootpaw didn’t want to listen anymore. She envied the three’s close friendship. Growing up she was never that close to anyone, she felt too guilty to ruin someone’s life. Her best friend was her mentor, Sapfoot. Sootpaw sat upward and glanced over Sapfoot’s sleeping form. She was such a lovely and kind cat, she couldn’t ask for a better one, but still it seemed Starclan was twisting her pawsteps around before she even rose to face the day. Nightpaw had Leafpaw, he didn’t need to be friends with her. Once she saw the three heading towards Silverstar’s den she walked out to make her rounds. It seemed Maplepaw had already filled up the water in the Medicine cat den, but how was everyone else? She glanced over and noticed Mistheart talking to Crowsong in the budding light.
“So, it’s like really crazy I…” Mistheart started his whiskers twitching in embarrassment. Crowsong covered his mouth with his paw to hide a kind giggle.
“I keep dreaming that I’m down by the river and suddenly you’re just there. It’s like you could walk on the water.” He chuckled out shifting his paws in the dirt.
“Like a Starclan cat?”Crowsong asked suppressing a yawn but clearly was still wanting to listen to Mistheart speak.
“Yeah it was….breath-taking.” Mistheart continued doodling little leaves in the dirt with his claw now, causing Crowsong to giggle in joy.
Sootpaw smiled softly and shook her head. Fuzz-brains! But they were so cute. She thought it was about time Mistheart started talking to Crowsong. Her eyes narrowed at the fresh kill pile which was oddly low. Hopefully the patrol would fix that. She wandered to the nursery and peeked her head in glancing at the kit and mother who were still resting peacefully. Sootpaw couldn’t help but feel her eyes lower. Kestrelkit was such a spoiled brat and so close to becoming an apprentice. She couldn’t imagine mentoring her! She pulled away and paused as she saw Clearspring’s two other kits poked their heads out of the apprentice den, eyes full of wonder. Sootpaw couldn’t help but smile softly as Tallpaw called out to her.
“Sootpaw! What are you doing?” He called out causing Sootpaw to rush over and try to shoosh him.
“Cats are still sleeping mouse-brain!” She whispered in disbelief.
“O-Oh sorry.” Tallpaw mewed flicking his ears.
“I’m just checking everyone. Making sure everything is fine.” Sootpaw explained quietly. Cloudpaw nodded and signed with her tail.
‘Maplepaw, Spottedpaw, and Hornetpaw all went into Silverstar’s den.’ She told curiously.
“Mhm. They want to graduate when Maplepaw does.” Sootpaw told her kindly.
“Really? Wow that’s awesome.” Tallpaw noted softly. He didn’t notice Cloudpaw’s sad and guilty eyes flicker towards the nursery but Sootpaw did. She frowned glancing back but Cloudpaw had broken her gaze.
‘Nice to see you again. I’m going to see if Silverstar will take me outside camp.’ Signed Cloudpaw, quickly as she padded between the older apprentice and her brother.
Sootpaw nodded and after a moment bid farewell to Tallpaw. She could hear a few cats waking up and stretching their paws however she smiled as Crowsong and Mistheart slipped back into the warrior den to rest from being on the watch. Fogvine crawled out of the den soon after giving a slight yawn. Sootpaw again felt that tingle in her body. Fogvine had found Kestrelkit on the side of the territory, named her, and tried to watch over her. She shook her head before looking up at the blooming sky. It looked too good to be true but there it was. Sootpaw hoped it could stay beautiful longer.
An early meeting had been called once loners had been spotted. The leaders hurried to their meeting place to try and resolve the matter. Pawsteps slowed and gasps heard as they gathered to the rocks. A single loner sat on top of the rocks staring at the moon. Silverstar was the first to step in.
“Hello there.” He called to the loner smelling a mix scent wafting from the cat’s pelt. The feline looked back with bright blue eyes that seemed only mildly concerned.
“Oh forgive us. Is this your spot?” The fluffy cat asked with a cool tone.
“Us?” Silverstar asked turning his head to try and scent other cats around.
“Yes us. I have always felt like two beings sharing a body. Two souls if you will. Which gives me the name Soul.” They said with a hum.
Murmurs broke out from all clans of surprise. Everyone seemed tense and ready from something to happen but nobody knew what.
“Is there any reason you are here Soul?” Owlstar asked as she joined Silverstar on the rocks.
“Yes. Forgive me for wasting breath but this is where you clan cats meet, right?” Soul pondered their voice kind.
“Yes.” Silverstar answered as murmurs rippled out though the heated crowd.
“Then I am here to speak for a group of cats outside your territory.” Soul confirmed glancing back at the moon.
“More loners?” A cat cried out from the crowd causing more unease to flicker though the group like an unsteady stream.
“Silence!” Owlstar hissed down at the mixing and mingling cats. Swanstar and Foxstar joined the group on the ledge with wonder in their eyes. This cat really was odd.
“There are good cats out there. Cold and scared. Parents, children, kind hearted souls.” Soul mewed intensely.
“How many are there?” Foxstar asked tilting his head.
“We can only feed so many and what if they don’t provide for the clan they’re in.” Paleberry added warily.
“Some of them will.” Soul countered but the crowd seemed to grow louder.
“Please. Times are changing. These cats know some amazing things. They can help.” Soul told the leaders.
“What are you cawing about?” Owlstar questioned but had a light tone to her voice.
“Are you talking about Two-legs?” Silverstar asked feeling a small shiver go up his spine.
“Yes. I know a lot about Two-legs. Please listen. They are unhappy with the territory they have. They think it’s too small so they are changing it.” Soul explained.
“They may not mean to but they will do horrible things. Scare away prey, release dogs, poison water, ruin the ground we walk on, bring horrible smoke as well. It’ll kill us if we don’t prepare.” Soul continued their eyes focused on the leaders.
“Do you have pr-“ Foxstar had stated before a high pitch cry rang out.
“Wait!!” howled a voice as tiny claws scrambled to climb the rocks. Blackpaw, the medicine cat apprentice of Topazclan crawled up to meet Soul leaving everyone in shock. He looked in a state of unrest and unease. Nothing like the level headed and quiet apprentice from before.
“Di-…Did the humans make the silver gleaming mouths that spit mud?” Blackpaw asked the loner. It took Soul and minute but soon they nodded fondly.
“Ahh yes. Those are deadly.” They stated eyes seeming sad for a brief moment.
“Silver mouths? We’ve seen those in Rubyclan! It nearly killed Creeppaw!!” A Rubyclan cat shrieked in shock.
“Does it bring water too? Our water has been tasting funny!!” A Sapphireclan cat added in panic.
“Swanstar…” Blackpaw cried looking at the stunned white leader.
“Please listen to them…I saw it…I-I saw it with my own two eyes.” Blackpaw begged looking as though he had been struck by something.
A bit of silence fled until the leaders began to speak. What was going to happen now? What could they do? It was all so sudden and strange.
“Well. Loners willing to work and fight under our code will be accepted in Sapphireclan. A past loner named Rock as settled in nicely with us.” Owlstar stated firmly.
“Same in Rubyclan. Our new member will be named Ghostheart. They are still sick but they are healing well.” Foxstar stated.
“Any aggressive loner should be handled has usually however. We must stand our ground.” Silverstar added.
“I suppose we’re all settled then.” Swanstar mewed but disrupt started down below.
“They’ll eat all our food!” A tom hissed.
“We can’t possibly train them all!” Another wailed tiredly.
“Will Starclan allow this?” More cried out.
“That’s not true!!” A young male voice cried out making the crowd turn to two small tom cats that smelled of wet moss and dirt. Both carried odd spotted and striped pelts that glimmered oddly.
“Ah, There you two are.” Soul commented lightly and urged the two toms to come on up the rock.
The one who’d spoked out lead though the whispering group proudly while the other shivered and followed close behind. They stood on the stones and glanced at the four formidable leaders even the bravest sibling felt his heart pounding in his chest.
“You four. I will be happy to stay and try to help as much as possible and show you all the dangers of the outside world.” Soul remarked before smiling lightly at the young males.
“Now would one of you be so kind as to take these brothers in as an example? They are both very hard working.” Soul promised glancing up.
“Sapphireclan will. Rock needs the company.” Owlstar mewed right away. The two brightened at the sudden acceptance and nodded.
“Do we get cool names?” The brown bolder bother asked.
“We’re giving the apprentice names?” Paleberry asked in a confused tone.
“Suppose so. Rock is going to change is name once he’s a warrior.” Owlstar clarified. Owlstar tilted her head for a moment before speaking again.
“You brown one will be Pikepaw and you silver one will be Softpaw.” Owlstar purred and dipped their head.
“This is tender but shouldn’t we go and look around? Maybe talk to the loner groups? Let’s split up evenly.” Foxstar pointed out nodding.
“Let Soul walk with Blackpaw, after we settle everything down they’ll need to talk. I think all medicine cats should speak with him.” Swanstar added. Their where murmurs between the leaders before they nodded but some warriors where furious below however what leader’s said was how it was going to be.
“Wolfthorn? Take Crowsong, Spottedpaw, and Hornetpaw to make nests and expand dens. Explain to everyone left behind what is happening okay?” Silverstar mewed to her while other leaders gathered a small party to go along. Everyone had four except Rubyclan which carried three.
The earth was cold as Soul lead them to the edge of a dried field where the forms of cats huddled together for warmth. Silverstar could smell fear prickling off the pelts of the loners even as Soul appeared. This was no clan but Silverstar couldn’t let such a thing continue. A small alarmed mew squeaked out nearby making Silverstar turn is head.
“You…You’re blind.” A voice came in shock.
“Certainly am but that’s not my name.” Silverstar hummed with a chuckle a softness running in his voice.
“W-What is your name then?” The other asked shyly watching the other cats walk over to his ‘friends’ and start talking.
“Silverstar. I am leader of Emeraldclan.” He stated proudly sniffing what seemed to be a young tom.
“Leader?....” The young cat asked seemingly blown away by the claim.
“Mhm. What’s your name?” Silverstar asked back with a kind smile.
“I-I don’t have one.” The tom squeaked.
“Well then. You could come with us and get an apprentice name.” Silverstar offered his whiskers twitching but before the young tom could say a thing a she-cat that was conversing with Greywater padded over with a twisted expression.
“What’s going on here?” She asked bitterly.
“C-Carrie. I was just uh…Silverstar was offering me somewhere to go.” The tom mewed sounding a bit worried.
“Hm. Well I suppose that’s fine but I better go with you to make sure you don’t die.” Carrie huffed and padded forward. Silverstar only nodded and sniffed in the air of other loners slowly rising to join a new group however some stayed. Some didn’t rise.
Once all he could do was done he turned and scented for the rest of his group hoping to leave everything in peace.
Maplepaw yawned and shook out their fur, assured they had tagged a leaf on it at some point. They’re paws fell behind the larger ones leading the way.
“Oakstep. Where are we going?” They huffed in a rasp as they followed on. Oakstep knew Maplepaw was getting a little bummed from being stuck in the medicine cat den with a heavy cough so the plan was to spark up some life in the red feline.
“You’ll see!” Oakstep sang like a bird. Maplepaw rolled their eyes with a small sigh and kept their pace up.
The rich, dark earth felt cool under Maplepaw’s burning pawpads. They looked up at the blue sky and wondered if Starclan was watching them for a brief moment before jumping over a branch fallen from a nearby tree. Oakstep was grateful for the warmth of the day, hoping it would help Maplepaw. Silence had fallen between them while a single question flickered in Maplepaw’s mind. Spottedpaw was doing great in his training with Mistheart and Hornetpaw had already showed off his best and most skilled battle moves. They knew Fogvine was proud for sure but what about Oakstep?
“Oakstep?...I’m not going to be with Spottedpaw and Hornetpaw when they graduate to warriors am I?” Maplepaw asked sucking in a sharp breath.
“No…but you will soon. Just not at the same time.” Oakstep hummed after a short pause. Her heart sank as she could see her apprentice’s expression dampen slightly. She knew Maplepaw took it harder than they showed.
“Hey. I have an idea.” Oakstep chirped suddenly falling behind so her apprentice led.
“Let’s play pretend. I’ll be an apprentice and you’re a warrior head of the hunting party.” Oakstep purred in delight her tail dancing behind.
“But my nose is stopped up.” Maplepaw mewed giving their mentor confused looks.
“I know but try without your nose. Tell be anything we’d need to know on a hunting party.” Oakstep implored, trying to get Maplepaw to play along.
“Alright then…” They sighed looking out into the woods. They’re ears where pricked for any signs of life knowing they needed to show their mentor they were improving too.
“I think I heard birds so…Let’s get low and stay silent. Up ahead, okay?” Maplepaw called back in a whisper before lowering their body but in a few steps they heard the flap of wings soaring away Maplepaw sighed and shook their head.
“Sorry…maybe we should find a thicket and hunt voles instead.” They offered looking back at Oakstep. The tabby only nodded and followed behind Maplepaw.
“You’re doing fine.” Oakstep whispered to them even though no one else was around. Maplepaw continued on until they found a small creek running by their territory. Odd but nothing horrible so they simply hopped over it.
“Oakstep?” Maplepaw called over their shoulder. Oakstep let out a small hum in response.
“Thank you for taking me outside today. The air feels good.” Maplepaw purred before letting out a soft sneeze.
Oakstep smiled and followed Maplepaw to a thicket. Hunting was nice there; they caught quite a few voles to bring back. Maplepaw rolled their eyes as Oakstep rambled about how she met her mate and added in a few jokes. Oakstep was a good mentor and a kind friend. Maplepaw couldn’t help but smile and follow along. No matter what happened at least they had peace.
Cicadastripe yawned tired from the early morning patrol he was sent on. Now the sun was going down and the tired feline bounced up and slipped outside the den. He scanned the clearing looking for his apprentice. He knew sentry duty wasn’t much fun but Creekpaw was a good she-cat. She never gave him a hard time or complained but sometimes he just felt so…distant from her. He understood since the tragedy in her family hit everyone pretty hard. He spotted the white and brown feline from afar and smiled.
“Creekpaw! Over here!” he cried picking up his pace. He watched Creekpaw bit a good evening to her sister and wonder towards him.
“Ready?” Cicadastripe asked as she followed him.
“Yeah.” Creekpaw answered quietly, her voice shaky and cold.
The ground below them was soft and in some parts even muddy. He stopped at two flat stone barely a tail away from each other, perfect for him and Creekpaw. They sat their silent for a bit until Cicadastripe grew brave enough to speak again.
“So, what would you like to learn next?” Cicadastripe asked with a casual flick of the ear. Creekpaw was silent for a moment before she shook out her pelt and spoke.
“I’d like to learn defensive tactics.” Creekpaw decided with a small but noticeable worried curl of the tail.
“Oh? Why?” Cicadastripe questioned looking back at the younger cat.
“Well…sometimes I’m worried that Skypaw is going to get in trouble one day and I want to protect her. I want to protect my whole family.” She explained shifting her paws. Cicadastripe nodded his head slowly before looking back out.
“You’re already very good at rolling and ducking. You have sharp claws and a fast mind just like your sister.” Cicadastripe purred in thought.
“But what if I’m not good enough?” The molly asked looking over at her calm mentor. Before he could answer she kept going.
“Hollypaw won’t do anything! He just sits around all day like he doesn’t even care about us! I want to talk to Ashpaw but he always looks so scared. I wish Chestnutkit was still alive! She’d know what to do….and Bluekit…” She wailed shaking her head.
“Mom and Dad would have known.” She rattled on clawing the rock.
“I bet they’re proud of you.” Cicadastripe mumbled trying to find the words to comfort his apprentice. Creekpaw looked confused for a moment looking up at the darkening purple sky.
“You…really think so?” Creekpaw mewed in confusion while her eyes threatened to water.
“Well…Starclan knows I am.” He chuckled with a kind smile. A small noise broke his attention away for a second.
He flicked his ears around noticing a bird flutter off in a hurry. His spine prickled and he stepped off the rock and opened his mouth to take in the scent. Foxes where still a huge worry for them now and Cicadastripe wasn’t about to let one wander in. Creekpaw flexed her claws and waited for her mentors signal. When she saw him relax she tilted her head in confusion.
“Just a rabbit…geez, I’m sorry Creekpaw.” Cicadastripe mewed sitting back on his rock bashfully. Creekpaw let out a soft breath and returned her attention to the sky.
“It’s fine.” She insisted licking her paw and brushing it over her head.
“I wish I could have taken you fishing or something like that. I know most apprentices don’t like this.” He mewed trying to steer over to a positive topic.
“No it’s fine. I actually enjoy talking to you.” Creekpaw returned brightly her smile shining on.
“Well I suppose as long as we’re out here. Would you like to hear a story about when I saw this huge raven?” Cicadastripe asked happily.
Soon enough when Wildscream and Hollypaw arrived, a little late one might add, they could hear Cicadastripe and Creekpaw giggling and sharing tales like two elders. Wildscream smiled warmly a slightly thanked Starclan that Creekpaw had gotten such a caring mentor.
Snakepaw sat below a bush, her eyes trained at something flickering in the distance. Her nose told her it was a field mouse, but the problem was how to get it. She sat motionless for what felt like a whole sunup until she sprang but sadly her efforts where fruitless. The mouse shot away and fled into the tall grass. Snakepaw sighed and curled her tail around her paws in anger. Maybe she should have become a medicine cat. Her ears turned at more soft skittering from afar and she rose quietly read to pounce.
“No! Stop!” wailed a weak voice.
Doekit and Bramblekit toppled out of the weeds their heads high. Snakepaw noticed Mosskit wasn’t with them and huffed. Mosskit must have wandered off again, last time she ruined Ferretsmoke’s flowers with all her antics. The smell was to help calm cats but Mosskit was rarely calm.
“Again?” Snakepaw asked her tail twitching in annoyance.
“Yes. I’m sure she’s around here someone but…” Doekit looked unsure of herself and a frown tugged at her lips. Snakepaw pitied her and respected her in a way. She really cared about her sister who kept getting the crew into trouble.
“Alright, Alright don’t panic. I’ll help you find her.” Snakepaw promised as she eyed a tree. She made her way over but paused when she noticed Bramblekit and Doekit following her.
“You stay here. If Cedarshade knew I let you do this she’d rip me to pieces.” Snakepaw sighed bounding up the tree. Her paws found safe and level branches as she gazed out beyond the territory. Mosskit wasn’t far, in fact she was just over a couple fox jumps stalking a cricket. Snakepaw shook her head and lowered herself to the ground.
“Follow me.” Snakepaw hummed as she hunted the trail towards Mosskit. Hopefully the she-cat would straighten out as an apprentice.
As they found her Doekit rushed out to get her sister which caused the cricket to leap away. Mosskit looked heavily annoyed and turned to glare at Doekit.
“I almost had it!” She grumbled. Bramblekit timidly followed behind and shuffled his paws.
“We’re not supposed to be out yet!” He complained honestly worried.
“We’re almost apprentices!” Mosskit huffed rolling her eyes.
“Oh? You know doing this could make Foxstar change her mind. She could keep you back in.” Snakepaw cooed and licked her paw calmly. The white feline seemed neutral and rolled her shoulders.
“But eh, whatever you’d like.” Snakepaw added as she stood to leave.
“N-No wait! Take us back please!” Doekit mewed in shock. Snakepaw pretended to think about it before flicking her tail and slowing down.
Leading the kits there wouldn’t be the hard part. In fact two out of three of them where perfect angels. It was their mother that worried Snakepaw, she could already here the queen wailing but she heard other voices too.
“Cedarshade. It’s okay I will find your kits.” Greywater mewed turning her head forward. The second she saw Snakepaw with the kits her eyes grew into slits.
“I found them Cedarshade. Mosskit was just out adventuring.” Snakepaw mewed softly as the queen raced to check over her children.
“They were in the limits but they didn’t have a guide with them.” Snakepaw hummed softly glancing at the kits.
“Oh you three. You had me worried! I thought loners…” Cedarshade mumbled before licking the three.
“I’m sorry mom, but I couldn’t let Mosskit go by herself!” Doekit replied giving her mother an apologetic lick.
“That’s very noble but next time get a warrior to go with you.” Greywater purred turning to Doekit.
Snakepaw nodded her head and turned to go back until a large forearm stopped her. Pebbletail stood there looking down at her. It was an honor to be a deputy’s apprentice but Pebbletail wasn’t a very fit mentor. Snakepaw wasn’t even sure she’d ever be a warrior under him. She waited for some comment about how she did something wrong or what was doing on but instead the deputy chuckled warmly.
“I saw everything. Good job Snakepaw, that was very mature.” He hummed his voice clear of sarcasm or any joking tone. Snakepaw blinked a bit stunned from this but carefully nodded her head without another word he left.
Snakepaw shook her head and walked over to the fresh-kill pile. She’d never understand her mentor.
Fernpaw let out a small yawn as they shook a few leaves off them. Looking down, they could see their nest was covered in leaves and grass. They chuckled lightly and glanced towards the empty test beside them. Specklepaw playing jokes as always, Fernpaw was used to it by now. They stepped outside and felt coolness hit their pelt. A breeze was just what today needed! Fernpaw bounded to pluck a small shrew out of the fresh kill pile. It was tiny and thin but Fernpaw didn’t need much for now. As soon as they finished eating a warm lick cupped their ears. Swanstar stared down at her sibling lovingly. Fernpaw smiled lightly at this, happy to see their older sister feeling better.
‘In a good mood?’ Swanstar signed out with her tail as a pleased smile bloomed on her muzzle. Fernpaw felt their fur heat up.
“Yeah I guess so! Hailfur is going to show me something special.” Fernpaw stated in delight. Swanstar nodded kindly and nudged the apprentice forward, telling them they better get a move on.
The apprentice nodded and padded forward to look for their mentor. The grey tabby bobtail was talking to Cloudfeather, her eyes normally dull. Fernpaw only caught a bit of what they were saying before Hailfur noticed the apprentice and nodded towards them.
“Fernpaw. You’re here. Let’s go.” She hummed quietly. Her blank tone didn’t bother Fernpaw anymore.
“We’re not going with Cloudfeather and the rest on patrol?” Fernpaw asked looking confused.
“No. We need to be alone for this.” Hailfur mewed her massive paws breezing over the ground so much that Fernpaw had to run to catch up.
The whole walk though Fernpaw noticed they weren’t stopping for any hunting or for Hailfur to point some things out. Each step made them feel farther and farther away from home until eventually Hailfur lead Fernpaw down into an abandoned badger set that lead into a few tunnels.
“Where?...” Fernpaw mewed before the hairs on their body stood up.
“This is where they found the Great Topaz.” Hailfur droned her eyes scanning the walls. Fernpaw’s breath caught in their throat as they fallowed their mentor in deeper. In was dark but Fernpaw could see marks in the wall.
“We’re are we going?” Fernpa cried out a bit louder.
“To show you something important.” Hailfur replied finally as cold dirt slipped through her paws. After a moment she started to speak more, something very uncharacteristic of her.
“To be a warrior means a lot you know?...It means protecting the ones you love.” Hailfur started.
“Tooth and claw.” Fernpaw nodded hearing this before.
“But it’s more than that. Food, water, shelter. Not every task is glamourous but you do it to help others survive. When send kits to the elder’s den because those are warriors and medicine cats that have watched their clan and watched friends leave them. It must be so....painful.” Hailfur stated with her eyes ahead.
“You’re going to have to make choices and sacrifices. It’s not always about getting the last in. It’ll be about who’s around later. You have people supporting you when it’s tough. Love them, adore them. Okay? One day they may be gone…this brings our next lesson.” Hailfur called pushing through a hole in the tunnel and dragging herself up. Fernpaw followed carefully as a nervous wave hit them.
The air was sour and everything was grey. Fernpaw couldn’t believe their eyes, it was the site of a fire. They’d heard about this resent event but they’d never seen what it had done. Two-legs had started it, they were sure. Already they kept leaving trash nearby, poisoning the area.
“Life isn’t always good. It’s going to be kinda…eh. Sometimes.” Hailfur continued nodding to the earth.
“But you have to hope everything gets better. Soon this place will start growing again then it’ll be like nothing bad happened. But you see what Two-legs have done. Even this can heal and every bad moment in your life will too. Don’t ever give up on yourself.” Hailfur finished sitting down. Fernpaw did too as their paws were sore from walking.
“Hailfur?...Thanks but I’m…kind of scared to be a warrior. What if I’m not ready.” Fernpaw muttered examining their claw.
“We never are but…it’s okay. We can be worried and scared together…” Hailfur hummed before looking out into the sky.
Fernpaw curled into the she-cat’s fur and listened to them mumble about how to tell storms apart, dream meanings, and idle thoughts. Fernpaw didn’t mind that their mentor rambled like this, she cared for Fernpaw just as much as their sister Swanstar. They couldn’t ask for anything more to prepare them.
Wolfthorn padded though the trees hearing the rest of the hunting patrol behind her. Mistheart had caught a shrew but his apprentice had caught a rather impressive rabbit. Spottedpaw was amused that he showed up his mentor. Fogvine flicked his tail with a cheerful glance at Hornetpaw, who had caught a massive mouse while his mentor caught two smaller ones. Wolfthorn had caught a sparrow, a swift and nimble bird. Mistheart looked back at Spottedpaw and nodded towards the elder’s den telling him to feed Blazefur. Fogvine made a dart towards the nursery past Mistheart, not before mutter something to Hornetpaw about being able to eat. Wolfthorn heard Fogvine give his two mice to the three kits with Tallkit boasting about being an apprentice soon. Mistheart passed the shrew towards Clearspring with a cheerful mew. Wolfthorn was looking for her mate, but where was she? Where was her beautiful tabby fur and bright eyes? She was concerned for a moment before seeing her mate out with her apprentice, sitting by the cool shade of a nearby tree. She walked over as Maplepaw was sent away and Oakstep looked up at her with blue eyes gleaming.
“How are you?” Oakstep purred as Wolfthorn set the bird down.
“Fine. Would you like to eat together?” Wolfthorn asked curling her tail around the shoulders of the other she-cat.
“You bet! I’m starving!” the warrior mewed in delight. Wolfthorn leaned in to take a juice bite but she paused at the tangy pungent smell of blood, not from the bird but from her beloved mate.
“Where did you get that cut from?” The deputy asked glancing at the rather deep but small cut on Oakstep’s shoulder.
“Maplepaw got a little rough, they were apologetic however.” The tabby purred and continued with a chuckle.
“Didn’t know they had it in them. They’ve been so sick…” Oakstep murmured in thought. She cared for her apprentice’s well-being after all. Wolfthorn nodded but was still very concerned.
“They still need to learn control. If they did that to a clanmate…” Wolfthorn trailed off seeing the look in her mate’s eyes.
“It just a little cut Wolfthorn.” She giggled shaking her head. Wolfthorn for a moment wondered how one she-cat could be so perfect, Starclan truly blessed her.
“Remember when I clipped you?” Oakstep teased looking up at the nick in Wolfthorn’s ear, which she had unsheathed her claws during their training as apprentices.
“I do since I barely saw you coming.” Wolfthorn purred with a pure delight. Her eyes focused back on the cut however and she sniffed again.
“Have you washed it?” the powerful grey warrior mewed leaning in closer to give it a quick lick.
“Yes, Sapfoot said to watch it but she doesn’t think it’ll be any trouble.” Oakstep purred before lightly brushing the deputy with her tail.
“Come on Fuzz-face let’s get eating.” The tabby hummed sticking her tongue out.
Oakstep rushed past the bushes and turned the sharp corner feeling her mate’s heat close behind. Together their pawsteps echoed though the rich, dark forest floor. The ferns tickled her nose as she dove into the sheltered green groves. Wolfthorn paused and gave a small sniff, turning her head towards the hide-away.
“I see you mouse-brain.” Wolfthorn purred with light glittering in her one yellow eye while she stuck her paw into the furled and leafy mass to prod her lover. Oakstep jumped out and knocked Wolfthorn over just to wrestle around with her. When they both grew tired they lay curled together weaving flowers together in chains. Wolfthorn noticed Oakstep using the feathers from the sparrow she caught.
“You were always much better than me.” She noted as she had to shake her paw away from a tangle in the grass.
“I’ve just done it longer.” Oakstep mewed shrugging her broad shoulders, her smile lighting up the darkening sky. Oakstep plopped her finished crown on Wolfthorn’s head admiring her mate’s natural beauty. Her mate was like aged stone, rugged and strong but it had a certain softness and wisdom to it. A stone of ages growing the prettiest flowers, it was her guilty pleasure when looking at her gorgeous mate.
“I made mine too big.” Wolfthorn’s comment snapped her out of her flighty thoughts.
“It’s okay look!” Oakstep purred slipping it around her neck.
“I look like a kitty pet~” She giggled causing Wolfthorn to split a warm smile.
Even the trip back was a nice one, being as they found a turtle and some moths. Camp seemed pretty lively in the evening as everyone was out in the cold shade. Silverstar was humming some old warrior’s song with the elder, Blazefur. Sapfoot and Sootpaw where taking care of getting rid of some old, dry herbs. Maplepaw sat a ways away from them talking to Spottedpaw and Hornetpaw. Crowsong was staring up at the stars pointing out each one and telling stories and legends based on them to Clearspring and Cloudkit. Tallkit was playing with Mistheart’s tail and practicing very sloppy but enduring battle moves with him. Kestrelkit was curled beside Fogvine who was grooming her and speaking rather softly about something. Everyone was just hanging out and enjoying themselves.
“We have perfect timing.” Oakstep giggled curling her tail back and forth cheerfully. Wolfthorn just nodded with a giggle and leaned against Oakstep’s shoulder purring. She was happy with her mate and friends, her clan was her home.
Shaking, a spine tingling feeling. Oakstep opened her eyes and prodded her mate gently on the shoulder.
“You’re having bad dreams again…wake up dear.” He mewed softly trying not to wake the other warriors. Once Wolfthorn’s yellow eye cracked open Oakstep felt her heart drop as her mate held an expression of pure terror. Her white paw brushed the deputy’s and she felt Wolfthorn’s pulse pound in her bloodstream.
“Nightmare?” asked the tabby, a frown across her sweet muzzle. Wolfthorn simply nodded and sighed.
“Foxes…” She muttered flicking her ears back. As the deputy of Emeraldclan Oakstep knew Wolfthorn was under a lot of stress. She only wished she knew a way to chase away the nightmares. She licked her mate’s cheek trying to think of something. Anything to say or do to help. Wolfthorn relished in the warm glow of her mate and purred softly.
“It’ll be okay. Any fight we fight we’ll do it together.” Oakstep promised nuzzling the flat faced she-cat. Wolfthorn murmured in agreement and curled her tail around the sweet feline.
“So…what’s been on your mind lately?” Wolfthorn asked. Oakstep knew she was just changing the subject to something lighter.
“Tallkit and Cloudkit will be apprentices soon. Clearspring must be proud.” Oakstep mewed.
“Any parent would.” Wolfthorn agreed nodding her grey head.
“Yeah, I wonder what that’s like.” Oakstep mewed glancing at her paws. Wolfthorn knew Oakstep had wanted kits for a long time, she really wanted to give her some too but who’d be deputy while Wolfthorn was pregnant? It was her biggest worry.
“You want kits a lot don’t you?” Wolfthorn asked glancing outside the den while her mate shuffled her paws.
“I understand if you don’t. It’s a big thing and you’re very busy.” Oakstep said nervously wondering if she’d upset Wolfthorn.
“Well…I suppose we should think about it. After all having kits is very special.” Wolfthorn mewed. She was happy that Oakstep didn’t feel like least of a she-cat for being able to still impregnate her. Oakstep would always be her sweet mate no matter what.
“You really think we could?” Oakstep purred almost too loudly.
“Shh! You’re going to wake someone up!” Wolfthorn giggled and licked her mate’s nose. Oakstep curled against her purring with joy. Wolfthorn just smiled peacefully and lay her head down on the tabby’s shoulder.
“I love you.” Wolfthorn purred into Oakstep’s ear.
“I love you too.” Oakstep hummed back softly closing her sparkling eyes. They really were happy together.
Clearspring rested in the nursery, dreaming of the forest and the beautiful flowers that dwelled in it. She was awoken by small pawsteps rushing by her just as she was a whisker away from those bright golden petals. She opened a gleaming blue eye and chuckled, seeing her kits trying to sneak off.
“What are you two up too?” She asked calmly. Neither kit had time to answer before their adoptive sister wailed out.
“I told them not to do it! I said they’d get in trouble!” Kestrelkit said puffing her chest out. Tallkit flicked his ears back and growled at her.
“We didn’t wanna wake you up!” He mewed stamping his little paw. She gave her son and daughter an affectionate lick and smiled.
“That’s very sweet but you do need to tell me.” She purred softly. Cloudkit made a few signs with her paws to tell her mother what she wanted.
“Going to see Blazefur?” she asked chuckling at the thought of the sweet elder.
“I thought we were going to see Spottedpaw.” Tallkit argued. Cloudkit looked surprised at the error and shrugged.
“You can ask Spottedpaw a few things and you can go see Blazefur but don’t harass them.” Their mother warned with a light tone. She looked over at Kestralkit, who seemed displeased that the other kits weren’t being punished.
“You want to go with them Kestralkit?” She asked softly. Kestralkit stuck out her tongue and huffed.
“No!” she snapped flicking her tail. Clearspring sighed before curling back up. Kestralkit had been upset ever since she realized her littermates would be apprentices before her since she was about a moon younger.
“Would you like to look for wildflowers with Fogvine?” She asked. Normally Kestralkit loved looking for flowers and braiding them into her fur but she just seemed to upset. Fogvine had found the kit left alone under a bush, abandoned. He took her in and tried to act like a father figure, however he wasn’t the best no matter how hard he tried.
“No, I just wanna be left alone!” Kestralkit snapped shaking off her pelt.
The kit started washing her fur as she glanced outside towards her two littermates as the wandered off. Spottedpaw was resting outside the apprentice den, sunning himself. Mistheart had apparently taken him out later than day and he was using his time well and snoozing. Tallkit poked the apprentice and bounded back excitedly waiting for the tom to open his eyes. Yellow eyes slowly peeked open and the tom inwardly sighed, a gentle smile crossed his face and he chuckled.
“Hello kits, can I do something for you?” He asked shifted his forepaws to better suit his head.
“What did you do today?” Tallkit asked feeling his sister bounce beside him.
“Just some sprints and Mistheart showed me what Foxglove looks like then he went on about how life is fragile and your mortality is very precious and yadda yadda.” He mewed remembering his mentor’s words.
‘Is Mistheart a good mentor?’ Cloudkit signed out looking rather confused. “
Oh yes, he’s awfully sweet.” Spottedpaw said chuckling.
“He’s shy but his heart is in the right place. He cares about me, you know?” Spottedpaw mewed with a brief hint of sadness in his dark eyes. Tallkit seemed confused as well making Spottedpaw snap back to reality and grin.
“Be good to your mother okay? She loves you a lot.” He stated before ruffling the kit’s heads with his paws.
The two kits stumbled over and giggled as they wrestled their way into the elder’s den. Blazefur glanced up and laughed his voice hoarse from age.
“You two training for some great battle?” he asked curling up. Tallkit stood up lifting his head straight up at the elder with bravery in his eyes.
“Yes! We’ll be apprentices soon!” he chirped smiling widely.
“Already?” Blazefur inquired looking shocked.
“Time flies.” He murmured shaking his head. Cloudkit felt some sympathy for the old tom since he was alone in the den and could barely walk because of his back problems.
“Would you like some water or something to eat?” Tallkit asked. Blazefur shook his head like always and smiled.
“I’m fine; would you like to hear a story?” He asked eagerly.
Blazefur never wanted to be a burden so he always did things for himself. Tallkit nodded growing excited again. Cloudkit smiled at her brother and dipped her head as she sat down to listen. Even though she would never hear his voice, Cloudkit would always love to listen to Blazefur’s stories.
