I think a lot of people have problems with the way Warriors goes about romantic relationships. I'm sure everybody has that ONE canon couple that pisses them off the most because of how it was handled or for even existing.
I definitely have a few that I just do not like, and others that didn’t meet my expectations and left me feeling underwhelmed.
One relationship that comes to mind is Rootspring and Bristlefrost, which I really don’t like as a romantic pairing.
(I am much more on board with RootXShadow honestly, they have much more in common)
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Instead of what we ended up with in The Broken Code, I would have preferred Rootspring pining for Bristlefrost's affection after she saved him and eventually confessing his feelings to her, but Bristlefrost has absolutely no romantic feelings for him whatsoever.
Rootpaw's attachment to Bristlefrost felt so much like puppy love- like seeing a little kid have their first crush.
I can see a young and innocent Rootspring asking Bristlefrost to
“just think about it,” when she nervously does not reciprocate his feelings at first. And her, not wanting to crush his little baby heart, says, “Okay, I’ll think about it...”
Proceed with Bristlefrost POVs, and seeing her have inner dialogue moments of trying to see qualities in Rootspring that she could appreciate in a mate, but ultimately, she just doesn’t have feelings for him. He’s too young and inexperienced and simply is not her type.
And she decides to be honest with him.
With Rootspring’s feelings crushed, leaving him heartbroken, I imagine this would have been an AMAZING opportunity to have Ashfur try and pry his way into Rootspring’s head.
“She doesn’t deserve you.” he whispers
“Make her see you’re perfect.” he says
“She crushed your heart, so crush her's. It’s only fair.” he tempts.
Basically, everything Ashfur’s been doing since Squirrelflight didn’t reciprocate his feelings. Another opportunity to showcase just how warped Ashfur’s mind is.
Rootspring struggles with his feelings and his own inner demons (as well as Ashfur on his shoulder), and he starts acting bitter toward Bristlefrost. Getting upset when other toms talk to Bristlefrost, or actively trying to make her jealous in some immature, cringy way, as kids do.
But then we get to the final showdown in The Dark Forest, and as much as Rootspring wishes he could hate Bristlefrost, he just can’t because he genuinely loves her and can’t imagine putting her through pain. Even knowing that Bristlefrost will never love him back, he still wants her to live a happy life. Even if it doesn’t include him.
He refuses to be cruel- heartless and bitter, like Ashfur.
We could have a nice conclusion about how anyone could be put Ashfur’s position, being rejected by the one you love and being hurt by it, but they can still choose to be good people. It doesn’t have to ruin you, and you don’t have to give in to that hate.
It won’t get you anywhere.
And then just to add some icing on the cake, we see Rootspring being the one to sacrifice himself, dragging Ashfur down into the deep darkness, killing him once and for all, instead of Bristlefrost.
I can’t picture someone like Tree breaking down into hysterics, and that’s exactly why I think having him break down would be so heart-wrenching to read!
Imagine him waiting beside the Moonpool for his son to wake up, only to see his body start to fade away. I can see him going to the Sisters and begging them to summon Rootspring’s spirit, and refusing to listen when they say it’s impossible. They try just for him, but Rootspring is gone.
That's some sad shit
I didn't mean to write another au, but I guess that’s what this is.
I'm all for killing off main characters in impactful ways. Make me feel something! Props to the Erins for killing off Bristlefrost and leaving Rootspring devastated! I didn't think they'd do that.
I’m PRAYING they don’t bring her back to life or as a spirit, because that would absolutely undo the meaning of her death and the sacrifice she made.
But yeah I didn’t like how Bristlefrost went from not being interested in Rootspring romantically to suddenly being REALLY in love with him for no believable reason except plot.
That’s just me tho. I'm sorry RootXBristle shippers if ya’ll are out there, but their relationship is wacc
Go watch Moonkitti's video about bristlexroot, if you haven't yet. I'm happy I'm not the only one that thought their relationship didn't make sense.
