#lightclan!skunktooth

[ts3lightclan]

(1.12) The Strike (‼️)

‼️ Hey, everyone! This chapter contains heavier themes, such as: death. Viewer discretion is advised. ‼️

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A piercing shriek rang out over the torrent of rain, sending a familiar, terrifying chill down Lilacdream's spine. What quickly followed was a blur, a flurry of distressed pawsteps, and the bitter taste of blood in the air.

"How could this have happened?!" The source of the shriek cried out angrily above the anxious buzz outside the healer's den. Lightrunner was in a panic, herself stained red by the blood of her close companion and the apparent victim of the incident. Briarclaw could hardly move, gravely wounded by a gash on her side.

"It was an accident!" Skunktooth responded, eyes enormous in his panic. "I didn't mean to-- I didn't mean to! I'm so sorry!"

"Sorries won't heal her!" Lightrunner spat in the tom's face, hissing. "Make yourself useful! Now!"

In no time at all, Skunktooth had skittered away, frantically trying to scavenge any cobwebs or herbs or anything he could find to fix the situation at hand. But his white paws had already been stained red, and Briarclaw... Briarclaw wasn't looking too good.

"Please..." Lightrunner's voice quieted, but she hadn't calmed in the slightest as she turned to Lilacdream, desperation in her voice. "Please, please tell me you can save her."

"I- I, um--"

Panic dried up any words Lilacdream might've mustered at that moment. She might've been a "healer" in title, but she didn't even entirely know what that meant yet! She'd had no guidance in getting here thus far; not even the stars had whispered to her regarding herbs and treatments and whatnot.

"...I'll... I'll do my best."

...

...

...But it wasn't enough. Lilacdream had close to no resources to work with, and even if she did, she wouldn't have known how to use them. She found herself floundering, slapping on any poultice she thought might work, but it was all in vain. Briarclaw's raspy, pained breathing eventually faded, and with it, her spirit had passed. Briarclaw... Briarclaw was dead.

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In the wake of yet another fight started by Briarclaw, the she-cat is gravely injured as Skunktooth attempted to defend himself.

Briarclaw died from her injuries. The clan is in mourning.

Skunktooth gained a minor wound as a result of the scuffle.

[ts3lightclan]

(1.33) Slipping Out of Sight

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Under the roaring winds of the snow, Stormflower found it the perfect opportunity to slip out of camp. LightClan wouldn't miss her presence, not really; with all the fuss over keeping the prey pile and the kits' bellies full, she doubted anyone would give it much thought. It wasn't the first time she'd wandered off, after all; surely, her clanmates would assume she was hunting, or collecting herbs, or... whatever it is they thought healers did.

Still, despite the blessing of a distraction, she wished it were warmer.

Arriving at her old makeshift camp for the first time in many weeks, Stormflower sniffed around. Her friend's scent was still strong, it seemed; he couldn't be far. In fact...

She let out a trill, alerting the attention of the black-framed tom just fox-lengths away. He seemed to jolt in surprise, then his face lit up as he realized she was there, and he cantered over to meet her.

"I was wondering when you'd come back," Skunktooth meowed lowly, excitedly looking to where Stormflower had come from... but the cat he was hoping to see was not there.

"I'm here alone," She explained simply, licking her paw and drawing it over her ear. "I haven't gotten to speak to your mate about our little... project yet. It's far too risky."

"Too risky..?" The black-and-white tom murmured, visibly distressed. Stormflower had no clue whether he understood the delicate nature of their task, or if he was just disappointed after not seeing his mate in moons. "What about..."

"Your kits are doing well. They're well-adjusted to clan life at this point... they've even been made apprentices." He let out a relieved sigh in response. Was that really all he was concerned about?

"Otherwise, the plan has been running smoothly. How have you been managing the preparations on your end?" She mused quizzically. "Surely you haven't just been flittering about on the frozen ponds?"

"Of course not," He sighed. "I've been asking around like you told me to, a-and... I think I've found something. Something big."

"Oh?" Stormflower twitched her whiskers in pleasant surprise. "Then, do lead the way. I've been looking forward to this for a long while."

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???

[ts3lightclan]

(1.14) Meeting Under a Dawn Sky

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By the time the orange glow of dawn began to creep over the sky, Skunktooth had already made his way out of LightClan's innermost section of territory. Now, he walked through the fields of the farm, heading back to his old home. He knew it would never feel the same-- not without Honeypurr, and not while he has kits he wasn't sure he'd see again. The barn would feel lonelier than ever, colder even than leaf-bare itself.

Earlier in the season, the fields were full of crops. As of now, however, they were barren, already harvested by Mr. McGreggor and his terrifying crop-monster. Skunktooth took a moment, in this recently-cleared and rain-trodden farmland to stop and lick his wounds.

...Literally. His wounds were still aching from when Briarclaw still inflicted them, as he hadn't had a moment's rest since.

"I see you are injured," A strange voice mewed from behind him, sending Skunktooth whirling about to face them.

"I- I am," He mumbled in response, trying to keep his distance as the strange spotted she-cat examined him. "But- who are you?"

"Don't worry. I am here to help. May I?"

She hadn't answered him, and yet, her relaxed expression made Skunktooth rest a little easier. She didn't seem to be a threat, anyhow.

He offered a slight nod, and the stranger stepped closer. With only a few uncomfortable stares, the stranger seemed to have gotten all the information she needed. She then swiped a paw through her neck-fur, freeing some previously-unseen cobwebs and applying them delicately to the claw marks. It wasn't a lot, but it was enough to keep the injury from getting worse for the time being.

Skunktooth stared in awe and wonder. Though LightClan technically had a healer, he'd never met a cat who worked with bandages quite so delicately, like it was second nature.

"H-How did you do that..?" He nearly whispered, glancing back down at the now-bandaged wound.

"I am skilled at many things," She explained vaguely. "I'm skilled at healing, and I am skilled at listening. You have been driven out, haven't you?"

"Eh..?" Skunktooth quickly became unnerved by the question. How had this cat known..? "N-No, I haven't. I'm out here alone."

"Hmph. You don't need to lie to me; I heard the whole thing." Skunktooth flinched a little on impulse. Not only did he just get caught in a lie, but... had nobody scented this cat in their territory? He worried for the safety of his kits.

"Wh- Why are you following me..?"

The blue cat stared at him for a moment, then shook out her fur. "Why? Well, I was worried, of course. It's not fair for a cat to be driven out for defending himself." She pondered it for a moment. "Besides, my values lead me to heal any cat in need. Your healer seemed rather incompetent."

"L-Lilacdream is fine..."

"I'm sure she is."

With a sigh, the blue cat brushed some of her fur back into place, having been rustled by the wind and rain.

"Either way, those cats don't deserve you. I would never throw out a companion like that, over such a silly misunderstanding. What a shameful thing to do."

While it was suspicious that this stranger knew so much about his situation, he couldn't deny that it felt good to have someone who shared his viewpoint... As guilty as he felt about Briarclaw's death, it had been an accident. What else could he have done?

"...Thank you."

"Of course! It's only right." The cat's whiskers twitched in an approachable manner. "I think this means we're friends now." She emphasized the word friends, though her gaze never left him for a moment. "Friends help each other out, yes? I scratch your back, you scratch mine, that sort of thing. I think we can continue to help each other... for a long time, even. What do you say?"

This spotted stranger made no change in expression, but she offered her paw out as if she wanted him to... shake it? All things considered, this cat seemed to understand him, so maybe it would be best to lean on her until he could get back on his paws. Besides, with not many other cats to rely on anymore... Skunktooth lifted his paw and met hers with his own.

"It's... nice to meet you."

"And you as well!" Maw curving into a smile, the stranger purred. "Come with me! I'll show you where I've been staying. You're welcome to stay there as well until your injury heals."

With a suddenly energetic tail flick, the strange cat began leading him away from the barn, down a road that LightClan had not yet traveled. Would they even bother to look for him there?

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???

[ts3lightclan]

(1.13) The Roar (!!)

‼️ Hey, everyone! This chapter contains heavier themes, such as: death, grief. Viewer discretion is advised. ‼️

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"This is your fault!" Lightrunner's grief-stricken voice pierced Skunktooth's resolve, leaving him cowering in her wake. "You killed her!"

"She attacked me first!" He tried his best to defend himself still, though he knew Lightrunner's words were true. In an attempt to save his own life, he had accidentally taken another's. But still, to prosecute the victim to this extent was...

"Briarclaw was an honorable warrior," Lightrunner hissed. "Whatever she may have done does not matter now! She's dead. And I'll never get her back."

Guilt wrenched at Skunktooth's belly. Part of him knew that Lightrunner was spewing nonsense, looking for some cat to blame in all of this... and, above all, she was grieving.

"Lightrunner, please, try to calm down..." Lilacdream's voice trembled as she strained for control of the situation.

"Let me handle this!"

...However, the healer was unable to do so. Lightrunner was too worked up, and Lilacdream herself was far too meek. How could she intervene? Though Skunktooth understood why she kept quiet, he wished someone would take his side here. Someone other than his mate, for once.

"Briarclaw had been harassing me the entire time we've lived here!" He pointed out bluntly, tail quivering. "You did nothing to stop her, and now look what's happened! The only one to blame here is yourself."

"The blood is not on my claws, Skunktooth!"

"Well, it might as well be!"

The air in the clearing fell as silent as the forest around it as Lightrunner took a sharp breath in. For a moment, Skunktooth regretted being so harsh with her, but then again... she had been the one to treat him poorly in the first place. Serves her right.

"...Leave."

Lightrunner was quiet now, but every cat in the clearing heard it. Honeypurr was the first to respond. "Lightrunner, you can't just...!"

"I said leave!" She roared, baring her teeth at him. "You have no right to talk to me like that! You're not welcome here anymore. Find someplace else to take you in."

Skunktooth's blood ran cold in shock. He couldn't manage a single word, yet Honeypurr continued to fight for his right to stay.

"Please, Lightrunner, leaf-bare is only getting closer, and the kits-"

"You're free to go with him, or you could stay. Take the kits for all I care. They're not to blame for this. I just don't want to see him around here anymore, not after what he's done."

Honeypurr froze up, a strangely... hesitant expression on her face as she processed the information. Was Honeypurr... not going to leave with him?

She met his gaze, guilt and fear all swirling into one. Without a word, he knew she was right to do so; the kits were still far too young to travel, and the clan would treat them well here. It was the safest option for them, and Honeypurr... while Skunktooth couldn't help feeling bitter about it, her loyalty lied with them now, not him. With the kits, and with the clan.

"...Fine. Fine, I'll go. I hope you're happy."

Skunktooth wasn't sure who he was talking to, or where he would go next. But as he wandered out of camp, not a single cat stopped him. And that hurt far more than any grief he may have held for Briarclaw.

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Skunktooth has been exiled from LightClan on charges of manslaughter.

Honeypurr and their kits decide to stay in LightClan, where they will be safer and better cared for.

Lightrunner is grieving heavily over the loss of Briarclaw. Her decision-making may be impaired.

[ts3lightclan]

(1.11) Storms Approaching

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Over the sound of the rain pelting against the forest floor, a pained yowl rang out. From where she sat on the other side of the clearing, Honeypurr was among the first to notice. She'd recognize her mate's cry anywhere.

"Hey!" She meowed in surprise, hopping up from where she'd been cleaning her kits' ears and hurrying over. She heard a couple of the littles gasp in shock as they watched what was transpiring. But, by the time Honeypurr actually arrived at the scene, Briarclaw was already spitting a clump of white fur from her maw, standing victorious over Skunktooth, who retreated with a hiss.

"What was that for?!" The black-and-white tom snarled, a dark fury Honeypurr hadn't seen before rising in his throat. "We shouldn't be fighting right now! We're supposed to be a team!"

"Yeah, the clan is supposed to be a team," Briarclaw spat, "But LightClan has no room for cowards."

"Hey! You can't talk to him like that!" Honeypurr hissed in her mate's defense, and Briarclaw turned to face her. Of the cats who had initially joined Lightrunner's mission to found this clan, Briarclaw was the one Honeypurr was least familiar with. She had known of her on the farm, but the two had hardly spoken, let alone become friends. Living in the same clan did nothing to help. If anything, situations like this would only drive them further apart.

"I can do what I want," Briarclaw huffed. "You aren't the boss of me. I answer to Lightrunner, and Lightrunner alone. And unless he can step up and face me like a warrior--" The tortoiseshell bared her teeth. "That will never change."

After a moment of shocked silence, Skunktooth just turned and stormed off toward the exit of camp. Not knowing what else to do, Honeypurr chased after him.

"W-Wait, Skunk..!"

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Briarclaw and Skunktooth get into a proper fight, initiated by Briarclaw. Briarclaw manages to win, but thankfully, neither cat is injured.

The cats continue to take advantage of the frogs in the watering hole while it's still thawed. Prey is plentiful... for those who are willing to get their paws wet, anyway.

Every time Briarclaw catches a rodent, she brings it directly to Lightrunner so the two can get rid of their fleas. Despite the rising tensions, the two are inseparable as always.

Magickit practices his hunting skills in preparation for his apprentice ceremony, which should take place any day now.

Pepperfrost's hunting skills are improving quickly. She even manages to catch a Rainbow Beetle!

[ts3lightclan]

(1.10) Dreary Days and Angler Ways

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A harsh rain had befallen the clan's territory. Lilacdream was still adjusting to the whole "living in the wild" thing, but she supposed it wasn't so bad. She missed her home, she missed her family, and she missed her mate. But she could always visit Rudd at the farm, and she had Pepper- no, Pepperfrost- to accompany her here.

Besides, the cats here seemed to understand her. Lilacdream hadn't met any travelers quite like these, who openly spoke of the Star Cats with pride and reverence. Was it really so special that Lilacdream heard their whispers? The Clan cats seemed to believe so.

Walking toward the healer's den, where Lilacdream had been told she would stay, she pondered the true nature of her connection to the stars, as well as what her new status within the clan would mean.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a flash. There was a loud crash of lightning, the bolt of electricity striking just a few fox-lengths ahead where Lilacdream had planned to walk. Accompanying the sudden crash, a piercing shriek rang in Lilacdream's folded ears. It was unlike any cry she'd ever heard before, yet it was undoubtedly feline. Startled, the healer hissed and jumped alert, eyes flashing with terror at what could have been- and what almost was- a deadly encounter.

"Lilacdream?"

A tom's voice called out to her suddenly from across the clearing. Skunktooth was there, staring with a concerned expression. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"Huh..?"

"Y-You just yowled really loudly," He mewed, as though he thought she was unaware. "You scared me out of my fur... what happened?"

"Wh-what do you mean 'what happened'? T-There was..."

Lilacdream turned her head back to the spot where the lightning had struck, expecting the charred circle of sizzling grass that's scent still filled her nostrils. But when she did so, she found nothing out of the ordinary. It was like the lightning hadn't struck in the first place... but if that were true, who else could that shriek have come from?

"...I mean, I- I thought I..." The molly trailed off, dazed and confused. The two stood in silence for a moment, the only ambiance being the pitter-pattering of the rain.

"...You look really out of it," Skunktooth said finally, concern still edging his mew. "Get some rest, will you?"

"I- Um... okay..."

With that, Skunktooth walked away without a care in the world. Lilacdream watched him go, then looked around the camp for... something, anything that might imply one of her clanmates saw what had just happened. But no one was looking, nor had anyone even seemed unnerved.

Was it a dream? Was it related to the Star Cats? Lilacdream knew she would have trouble sleeping until she figured out what, if anything, it meant for her new companions.

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Lilacdream has a mysterious, terrifying vision. She chooses to keep it to herself until she can figure out why.

The clan spends the rainy day fishing while the pond is thawed. Pepperfrost and Lilacdream begin to hone their hunting skills to better serve the clan.

Lightrunner and Briarclaw spend some time fishing together. Trust between the two cats increases.

Magickit is becoming a bit of a bully. He and Mousekit don't get along at all.

[ts3lightclan]

(1.9) The First Meeting

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Standing atop the flattest rock-- the Light Rock, as she supposed they'd call it-- Lightrunner felt incredibly out of place. She never wanted to be a leader, but right now, she was all the clan had in terms of one. Briarclaw was right, just as she was right about many things. Until they had found a proper leader, Lightrunner would have to step forward. "Cats of-" Yikes, her voice cracked. "Cats of LightClan, it's- it's time that I held our very first Clan Meeting!"

Of course, as she said that, it dawned on her that every grown cat in the clan had already gathered. Did she command respect already? Or did they just assume she had something to say based on her stuttering and the anxious prodding of her paws? She cleared her throat and tried not to think about it too hard.

"We've- we've come a long way so far, with all of you leaving your homes in order to join me here... to start something new and alive! I can't thank you all enough for that."

She could spot Honeypurr and Skunktooth sharing a look amongst the group, which made her a little concerned. However, Briarclaw gave her an encouraging nod. Lightrunner smiled. Finding the confidence to raise her voice a little, she continued.

"I think it's time that we had our first proper ceremony," Lightrunner mewed. "Lyla and Pepper, you are both strangers to our camp, but StarClan has deemed you both worthy of ranks in LightClan."

The younger of the sisters, Pepper, seemed to beam with pride. Lyla seemed a bit sheepish, but still happy to be there. Good, Lightrunner thought, I haven't scared them off yet.

"Pepper, as is customary for clan life, you will adopt a new name to match this new journey ahead of you. StarClan shines upon you like a ray of warm light. From this moment forward, you will be known as Pepperfrost, a new warrior!" When Lightrunner had once seen loud roars of cats chanting a new warrior's name, back in her home clan, there were only a few cats cheering with various "woo"s and "yay"s (mostly just from Honeypurr). But with a clan of this size, Lightrunner could pick out each cat's voice individually, knowing their response was approval in their own individual ways. Pepper- now Pepperfrost- seemed to purr with approval. The name suited her, as well as her strange warm-and-cold-toned pelt.

"As for Lyla," Lightrunner mewed, "StarClan has given you their blessing to walk the path of a healer. LightClan will forever welcome your intuition and your connection to the Warrior Ancestors."

It occurred to her now that the only cat here who actually had warrior ancestors was... well, herself. Still, it only felt right to honor them, as they had essentially adopted these new cats as their proteges. One day, if they were successful, LightClan would have its own warrior ancestors, and Lightrunner would be among them.

"StarClan shines upon you like a warm ray of light. From this moment forward, you will be known as Lilacdream!"

This time, it was Pepperfrost who cheered loudest, alongside Honeypurr and (surprisingly) Briarclaw. Lightrunner couldn't help but be a little bit proud of herself for the warrior names she'd come up with. She had never considered how difficult it might be for a leader to come up with names for cats! She had fussed over getting it just right for so long that it was good to feel the gratification afterward. And with that, the clan was dismissed. After giving the meeting its proper end, Lightrunner hopped down from the rock and watched as her fledgling clan headed off to do their daily tasks. Doing so made her heart swell with pride.

They were one step closer to being a true clan now.

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Pepper joins the clan as a warrior. Her new name is Pepperfrost, in honor of her blue-and-red marbled pelt.

Lyla joins the clan as a healer. Her new name is Lilacdream, in honor of the dreams she shares with StarClan.

Skunktooth and Mousekit have some bonding time.

Honeypurr holds Antkit hostage in the nursery.

Magickit watches a hedgehog on the outskirts of the camp.

[ts3lightclan]

(1.8) New Arrivals

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"Wow! I've never seen so much nature before!" Pepper exclaimed aloud, staring out at the forest Lightrunner and Briarclaw had led them to. "And I live on a farm, so that's something!"

"Well, you live here now, I guess!" Lightrunner purred in response. "We're nearing the camp now. It's not a whole lot, but it's home."

Lyla kept up the rear, quiet and visibly exhausted as Briarclaw finished helping her across the thunderpath. It was still nighttime when the group departed, and the small molly hadn't gotten but a quick nap in before they did so. Now it was dawn, and the group was finally in LightClan territory.

But something was different in the scent of their camp by the time they had returned. Briarclaw seemed to have noticed it as well, but Lightrunner was the first to recognize what was different.

"Is that... milk?"

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Under the watchful eye (leaves?) of the Forest Spirit, Honeypurr gives birth to three healthy kits.

Kitten 1 is male. He is Playful and Adventurous.

Kitten 1 receives the name Antkit, in honor of the Honeypot Ant that his mother ate while she was expecting.

Kitten 2 is female and slightly bigger than her littermates. She is Playful and a Hunter.

Kitten 2 receives the name Birchkit, in honor of her light fur and black markings, as well as her sturdy body.

Kitten 3 is female and slightly smaller than her littermates. She is Playful and Clueless.

Kitten 3 receives the name Mousekit, in honor of her small body, big ears, and slim tail.

The group returns home with both Pepper and Lyla.

The patrolling cats bring back enough fresh-kill to feed the new kits, who were eager for some breakfast.