It’s time to announce the winners of the September Art Contest! π
So, without further ado . . .
3rd place goes to Brookpaw! The background is bright and colorful and makes for an all-around amazing drawing! I like the shading you added too. And the cat is beyond cute, which, if I’m being honest, helped win me over. π
2nd place goes to Bramblefire! This drawing of Crowfeather is spectacular. Not only is the anatomy spot-on, but it ties in well with the autumn theme. As always, I’m blown away by the talent you possess, and I imagine the rest of BlogClan is too!
1st place goes to Dewpaw! I appreciate all the details you’ve put into this piece. From the apprentices training with their mentors, to the cats in the background on a patrol. There’s so much to love!
All in all, thank you to everyone who entered! π The entries we received were phenomenal; Icy and I had trouble choosing between them.
Now it’s time to present Wanda The Wheel, Icy’s brainchild, who has chosen two volunteers to help out with drawing the prizes: Rainpaw, who will be drawing for the third place winner,Β and Iceshard, who will be drawing for the first place winner!Β Woohoo! (If either of you can’t draw the prizes after all, that is perfectly alright. β€ Please let me know and someone else can be chosen.)
Now if you’d like to help out with drawing prizes for the October Fanfiction Contest winners, and can do so within three weeks, please fill out this form (it’s as easy as pie!):
Anyhow, with that said and done, it’s time to announce the October Fanfiction prompt, which was decided by the ever so talented Icy!
THE PROMPT
As leaf-fall progresses and Halloween gets closer, what does this mean for the Warriors world? (You can interpret this however you like. Get creative!)
RULES
- No excessive gore, inappropriate scenes, cursing, or anything otherwise not found on BlogClan. Any entries of this nature will be deleted.
- Only one entry per person!
- Be respectful of all participants! Let’s make this fun for everyone!
- Your entry must relate to the Warriors world.
- The deadline is October 30th, 11:59 PM EST.
PRIZES
These apply to both the fanart and fanfiction contest!
- Third place: a drawing (fursona, OC, Warriors character)
- Second place: a drawing (fursona, OC, Warriors character) OR the abilityΒ to choose live chat’s colors*
- First place: a drawing (fursona, OC, Warriors character) ANDΒ the ability to choose live chat’s colors*
*Colors must be approved by a moderator. π
_________
Last but not least, here are some Commonly Asked Question:
#1: Sunny, what do I do if my cat lays on my keyboard when I’m in the middle of writing my fanfiction entry?
Answer: Grab a cover and tuck them into bed. Then, well, there’s not much else you can do but hope they get up within the next month.
#2: Sunny, my cat is staring at me as I write, are they plotting something?
Answer: Yes. To make sure they don’t go through with any devious plans, buy them some catnip. Then return to writing your fan fiction.
Icy edit: You’re a star, Sunny! Thanks for helping me out. I couldn’t have done it without you. π
Um, mods, is a suicidal PoV alright? Is it too graphic and stuff?
I’m not sure. I’ll ask the Team. π
I think it would be best if we stay away from that, but thank you for asking about it!
Okay. π
Ahhhhhhhhh
I’m reaaaally late but I suppose I’ll get it in tomoRROw, is that okay?
Guess who forgot about this π :c
Totally not you. π
Me
and maybe yoo
Icy can I enter some of my fanfic that I am continuing
Here it is
Falconpaw sat at the entrance of the medicene den, her amber eyes narrowed in thought. She seemed lost in a world of her own, staring at the green leaf flowers that were scattered like dandelion seeds in the wind. Nervously, her mottled grey tail swished from side to side, carelessly knocking herbs onto the dappled, sunlit floor of the den. Today she would take the test. Today she would either become a medicene cat apprentice or be scarred forever. Before medicene cats could officially begin their training they had to appeal to StarClan that they are not keeping any knowledge of the warrior code being broken a secret. If you passed then you became a medicene cat apprentice. If not and you were hiding something, your pelt would be darkened like it had been scorched in a fire and you would struggle to ever gain StarClans respect again. Falconpaw knew one cat who had failed the test, Darkstream of CavernClan, but she did not want to become the second.
βCome on Falconpaw, itβs time to go,β Honeywaveβs soft voice broke into her thoughts, β The whole clan is gathering outside to see you off.β Honeywave continued, for a while Falconpaw had thought her mentorβs name was from her smooth soothing voice but to her annoyance this had not been true.
Outside, the camp was ablaze with a dappled light and the sky was a pallet of paint splattered, tie dyed sunset oranges and reds. Cats were crowded on the ground, their soft murmurs sounding like bird song in the sun down breeze. As soon as they saw Falconpaw emerge they all rose to their feet in almost perfect unison. Sunstar was the first to step forward, his muscles rippling through his thick golden pelt and right down to his stumpy tail. With his deputy Herongaze beside him, the noble leader dipped his head to Falconpaw and without a word passed between them Herongaze did the same. What seemed like hours past and Falconpaw couldnβt even think to breath until Sunstar and Herongaze stepped away into the crowd of cats to discuss some sort of important clan business. One by one cats stepped forward to wish Falconpaw farewell. Snowsplash accompanied by Mistypaw had bidded a particularly emotional good bye which she was puzzled by, Snowsplash was usually straight faced and calm. Then she turned round to see Snowsplash and Mistypaw snickering behind her, obviously both very aware of how confused she had been.
With all the goodbyes said, Honeywave and Falconpaw padded across the now slightly shadowed camp and towards the StarTree path. Suddenly, a long furred ginger she cat leapt from from the trees, her amber eyes glowing with amusement. Great, Falconpaw thought , just what we need, Lionfire the most annoying member of LagoonClan.
βFlacon, Falcon, Falcon, Falcon , Falcon , Falcon , Falcon, β Lionfire mewed at the top of her lungs.
βItβs Falconpaw, not Falcon, β Falconpaw sighed rolling her eyes.
βOk Falcon,β Lionfire smirked at her, βI have something for youβ. She rolled a pebble out from under her paws and tossed it toFalconpaw. Aware of her mentor sighing behind her, Falconpaw hurriedly took the pebble and continued after Honeywave.
βItβs a lucky pebble,β Lionfire screeched behind her, βItβs covered in catmint to get rid of your nerves !β
Glad that the smart side of Lionfire was finally emerging if not slowly, Falconpaw trotted after her mentor, brushing aside shimmering reeds as she went.
Just as the stars were beginning to dance in the reflections of the lagoon, the tow medicene cats arrived at a giant hollow logs which was covered in a quilt of moss and bracken.
βHere we are,β Honeywave told Falconpaw, β This is the StarTree, just follow my lead so we can get though to the SpeakingFalls without any scratches.β
Falconpaw nodded towards the light brown she cat before dipping her head to Lionfireβs lucky pebble. She breathed in the scent of catmint and the nerves flooded from her body, she was relieved that the annoying warrior had been correct, even though it was often the case, Lionfire was smart when she wanted to be. Picking up the small pebble in the jaws, Falconpaw padded into the log after her mentor and darkness swallowed her whole. Following the echoes of Honeywaveβs pawsteps, her eyes began to adjust to the lack of light. The log was eerily large, easily twice the height of Falconpaw and small beetles scurried around in the nooks and crannies that flecked the tree trunk. Suddenly the log came to an end and the two cats emerged into a beautiful glade. Water trickled down a giant rocky cliff edge and into a seemingly bottomless pool of clear water. Around the pool three cats stood, a tiny sandy grey tom was talking to an elegant leopard spotted she cat and a scarred light brown she cat was staring at the trickling water , silently as if trying to avoid friendly conversation with the other medicene cats.
Hey Icy would it be all right if one of my characters said ‘Son of a dog’ or is the implication of the phrase too offensive?
It’s a common phrase one of the characters I’m basing one of my cats off of in my story tends to utter in some instances so I’m trying to come up with a good censored version that’s okay for BlogClan.
Sorry I took so long to get back to you! I think if it’s censored, it should be alright. π Just no real curses. π
This is my fan-fic about a illegal group discovered by the police.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amaya walked beside Lorin, MonΓ© and me talking about how woried she was about the police. She heard that they figured about a illegal group.
“In heard the police. We could get in huge trouble.” Said Amaya.
Lorin, the leader whispered in my ear, “I got a idea. Go get Morgan.”
I ran to get our friend, Morgan and ran back with her.
Lorin called everyone up in their gathering place.
“Guys. I have a idea.” Everyone leaned forward.
“We should run away. We are orphins, and Sofia knows really good survival skills.”
“What?” Amaya screamed.
“Hmm…” MonΓ© thought.
“Why????” Morgan yelled.
Everyone stared at Sofia. She was the decision maker.
“Ok. Let’s go!” Sofia yelled happily.
~~~~~End of part one~~~~~
Notes:
1. Those are my real friends. One of them is me! (Hint hint.)
2. I am mobile right now, so I can’t type a lot.
3. I don’t have a lot of time, so I wrote this.
4. Part 2 coming soon!
I already know your real name from that thing that happened with you email on the blogchat but I wound tell anyone
Promise
Ok. βΊ
This, is my super long and awful fanfic. Enjoy. π
~~~
DAWN
early leaf-fall
Iβm sorry for your loss.
Waitβ¦ what? I mean, Summershine is in the medicine cat den, down with a cold. But thatβs a superficial wound that can heal within the blink of an eye.
Or can it?
During the night, a nightmare chases after me with frightening agility. It claws at me, swiping and scratching at the wall Iβve unconsciously created. Summershine, curled up and glassy eyed, haunts me as I race through the damp forest. Gnarled branch-tips dig into my flesh. A trail of blood snakes through the trees. But all I care about is getting away from it. It doesnβt end for an eternalβ¦ well, who knows how long.
The next morning, the nightmare subsides and I wake up in the world to find the nest beside me cold. Empty. I can still see the imprint she has left, a slight hollow in the perfect fronds of tender greenleaf ferns.
The air chokes me, the morning sticky and suffocating. My heart races faster and faster until it seems everything will explode altogether.
I stumble into the medicine cat den misty-eyed and groggy. The world spins like a never-ending carousel and a wave of nausea deems it the perfect time to crash down on me. Two words float out of my mouth.
Whereβs Summershine?
A frozen silence.
She died yesterday, an unfortunate soul answers, oblivious to the pain itβs causing me.
I fight the urge to run out of the den, out of the camp, out of the territory, out of the forest, out of the world. Red swathes my vision in a stage curtain of crimson velvet as I let out a cry and crash to the dusty ground. Youβre lying, I snarl up at their shocked faces. Youβre lying, and you all know it. What kind of Clanmates are you?
The medicine cat turns a sympathetic face to me, the blue depths of his eyes shining with understanding. Iβm sorry for your lo-
No. Itβs those five words again. StarClan, please, no. I donβt want your stupid pity! I yell. I can sense nothing but a pounding storm of rage and I donβt care one bit; my Clanmates canβt possibly understand the claws tearing at my heart. Youβre not even right, for StarClanβs sake! Summershine is fine!
Youβre not getting it, Aspenwing starts, but I interrupt. Bare my teeth. And recklessly slash at him, my heart crazed with grief. A bright red gash appears, bubbling scarlet. The medicine cat is still as ice as he slowly reaches up to the scratch on his face with a trembling claw.
And without looking back, I run.
I have no idea where Iβm going. For all I know, I can be sprinting in circles. Nothing matters right now. Nothing matters except the fact that the cold truth is sinking in, and it hurts too much for me to bear.
~~~
I collapse in a sunlit clearing. I can sense the soft grass pressed up against my fur, cool breeze brushing the tips of my whiskers. But nothing can put out the wildfires raging red-hot in my mind. No amount of sun can dry the tears I shed. Nothing can piece a shattered heart back together.
When I feel like I stretch my eyes open again, I look at my surroundings.
Leaf-fall has carried out its first strike; the cold wind stings my upturned cheek. The sun shines with a tinge of blood-red.
And finally, my breath hitches as my gaze falls on the small, lonely maple standing in the corner, cloaked in shadow.
My heart breaks all over again. This is my clearing. Summershineβs clearing. That mapleβ¦ is her tree.
Β Β Β When we were apprentices, bright-eyed and mischievous, weβd sneak away from our mentors with practiced ease and delve into the forest. The territory had been a mysterious place, paradise and hell at the same time. We apprentices dreamed about what treasures could be hidden in the woods, but Summerpaw wasβ¦ well, different. She wouldnβt sit around; she would go do it.
Β Β Β We would curl around the little maple at night, watching the skies twinkle with stars and shadows, mist and twilight. Tails entwined, fur brushing. Everything was perfect for thirteen moons.
Β Β Β The maple had been a haven for me and her- it was where we had invented games, laughed and gossiped, confided and comforted. It had been ours.
~~~
As I glance at the maple, a fierce possessiveness and love for it rushes forward. I must not let anything happen to it. Itβsβ¦ itβs the only piece of Summershine I have left. Iβll do everything to guard it.
Night is majestic. Its vast, inky-blue cloak ripples with glowing nebulas and invisible planets. Tiny silver stars gleam like precious jewels.
But I can find no beauty in it anymore. Why does StarClan have to take away Summershine? What has she ever done to them? My claws dig into the supple earth beneath me. Canβt they have taken Aspenwing instead, for not saving lives when he needs to?
Β Β Β Of course not. Heβs ThunderClanβs precious medicine cat. I scowl bitterly.
Without really knowing what Iβm doing, I shift my gaze to my half-buried claws and promise to myself Iβll never look up at StarClan again.
~~~
Β Β Β The sun has barely peeked over the horizon when I stumble into camp, tendrils of musty, foggy sleep wrapped around me still. The cats on the dawn patrol, Sleetheart, Willownose and Duskpaw, give me strange looks. Sleetheartβs face says, What were you doing? Willownose gives me a glance that means, You look like a badger attacked you. And Duskpaw is quite simply, OH MY STARCLAN WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?! And I realize why when I check my reflection in a small puddle in the shadows of camp. My blue eyes are bloodshot, thin veins tracing my pupils. Usually, my pelt is groomed to smooth honey-like perfection, but today itβs a knotted mess. Scrapes and flecks of dried blood dust the pads of my paws with scarlet.
Β Β Β I sigh and stand, my paws dragging pale dust into the air as I scoot into the warriors den. A pang of pain reverberates in my heart as I find myself staring at Summershineβs empty nest. Why? I wail silently.
Β Β Β The place is a painful reminder of her death, and I canβt- I canβt be in here. Scrambling to my paws, I streak out of the warriors den and collapse. Tears spill out. These tears are for Summershine, and no one else.
Β Β Β Itβs sunhigh and I havenβt moved a single inch. A puddle sits at my paws. I can see the dust swirling with the salty teardrops, creating a thick, muddy brown cloud.
The kits bounce out of the nursery, send a curious glance at me, and resume their carefree play. However, one certain kit doesnβt seem to be affected by my gloomy mood. Do you wanna play mossball with me? Bluekit squeaks, her green-flecked eyes staring up at me. Her gray-and-white fur is tousled as always.
Β Β Β I growl. No. Leave me alone! It comes out bristling with bitter thorns and shards of shattered rocks. Shattered rocks that I have no one to throw at but poor Bluekit.
The feather-tailed she-kit flinches and guilt washes over me. I didnβt know you were like this, she says quietly, and walks away, ears drooping and tiny paws dragging.
Β Β Β I can feel my own spirits plummeting down an abyss. Why do I have to be like this? Iβm hurting so many cats, so many innocent souls. If this had never- if Summershine had never died, none of this would be happening.
   Why⦠?
Β Β Β If I can turn back time and save everything, everything will be alright. The Clan will be happy, and I will be happy. Is it even possible?
Β Β Β Not sure if Iβm sane or not, I decide to strike a bargain with StarClan. To set everything right. The best place to find these cats is probably the Moonpool. The Moonpool. Itβs always had an aura of mystery and secrecy about it. The name itself sounds like starlit water and silver dreams. But anything can be a ruse. Everything can be a lie.
Β Β Β I do live in a world of backstabbing and grief, so it wouldnβt be surprising. But I canβt let go of this chance. If StarClan is as heavenly and godly as itβs told to be, I canβt let my shot go to waste.
Β Β Β Sucking in a breath, I plunge through the tunnel and out into ThunderClan territory.
~~~
Β Β Β The journey, with peril waiting to spring at me, extracts every bit of energy from me and I let myself collapse on the pebbles. Every nerve is blazing with fire, but I keep on dragging myself towards the glistening circumference of dark water.
Β Β Β At last, I canβt hold up my head anymore. It drops and I, light as a feather, dip the tip of my nose to the Moonpool. I barely remember anything else as I droop like a wilted flower. My muzzle is precariously balanced on the edge. The silver water licks at my fur and retreats back into the pool.
Β Β Β Once.
Β Β Β Twice.
Β Β Β Thrice.
Β Β Β From a tiny ripple, it grows to a wild, reckless tide. With a final, condescending WHOOSH, the wave of moonlight rushes over my body and pulls me into unconsciousness.
~~~
Β Β Β I blink. In front of me is a vast silver-tinged meadow splashed in starlight, the scent of blooming honeysuckle blossoms drifting through the air. The sky is filled with a plethora of pale blue butterflies. Birdsong pierces the silence with three long notes, sweet like honey and vibrating with fragile highness.
Β Β Β StarClan is actually quite beautiful, and I drink in the peace. Until time starts to tick by, and my blue gaze darts around nervously, searching for signs of StarClanβs legendary warriors.
Β Β Β I nearly jump out of my fur when a voice appears out of nowhere. Oh, my love.
Whirling around, my claws slide out. But I realizeβ¦ that itβs Summershineβs voice.
Β Β Β Where are you? I call helplessly, feeling like a lost kit. Pleaseβ¦ please. If you love me, come out! My voice has an edge of desperation to it, so high-pitched I think Iβm close to clawing the tranquil night sky to shreds looking for Summershine.
Β Β Β No, no, dear, comes Summershineβs voice again. I bite back a breathless gasp. I canβt. I can see you, but you cannot see me. Why have you come? Her soft, comforting voice instantly takes on a dry brittleness- like the dead leaves of leaf-fall.
Β Β Β StarClan is known for its magic, right? I begin, my voice taking on a tinge of hysteria. If I can ask StarClan to turn back time, or reincarnate you, see how much pain and suffering that would be eased. Iβm not just doing this for myself. Itβs for everyone in my Clan, from little Bluekit toβ¦ even Aspenwing. Please, Summershine, please. Just grant me this one wish.
Β Β Β A laugh rings in my ears, a laugh that rings of regret and sorrow. Itβs so different from her usual sugar-sweet song. StarClan cannot grant these wishes of yours. We are not deities; we are the spirits who watch and guide those on the earth. Iβm so sorry, sweetheart. I mean, Iβd love to have another life. Is that her attempt at a joke? Iβm already sick to the core.
Β Β Β I donβt want to hear anymore, Summershine, I force out. Iβm leaving.
Β Β Β And with a blink, I find myself curled around the Moonpool, salty drops of sweat trickling through my fur.
~~~
Β Β Β mid leaf-fall
Β Β Β Come on, eat these poppy seeds, Aspenwing coaxes me like Iβm a kit. With his plumy tail, he sweeps the three poppy seeds closer to my jaws. They will do you good. His eyes are expectant, watching me with a calmness only he can muster.
I avoid his searching gaze. Too drained to argue, I curl my golden-brown tail around my paws and slump again to the dirt floor. Why does Aspenwing care about me, anyway? Iβm just a broken shell of myself, hollowed out until there is nothing inside me anymore. Ever since my StarClan dream, Iβve given up on life.
Aspenwing sighs and leaves me alone.
Everything I think about is all a flurry of whyβs and whatβs and whoβs. Why did Summershine have to die? What did she do to StarClan? Who exactly was responsible for her death?
That questionβ¦ I honestly donβt have an answer to. Because no one killed her.
She was the light in my life, the sun sparkling in the darkness for me. Without her, all of the colors, fuchsia and scarlet, indigo and gold, have bled out. The world is just a gray, gray prison.
Each time my heart drops, for some reason, my paws carry me to the little maple. Over the course of leaf-fall, itβs gone through quite a bit of change. The leaves are the color orange. The color of wide-eyed fascination and the thin glass of fragility, of marble-stone pride and sugared indulgences.
But like all the wonders of nature, the mapleβs profound beauty can only last for so long.
Ever since Summershineβs left me, I can sense this deep, pulsing connection with the maple. It is mine. I am it. We are together.
Itβs the only piece of her I have left. And Iβm determined to keep it.
~~~
Β Β Β Aspenwing seems to be pleased that Iβm making more frequent excursions to the forest beyond the thorny camp walls. This is good for you, he reminds me for what seems like the thousandth time. Breathe in the fresh air. Let the sounds of Β trickling water transform to music in your ears. Feel the breeze tugging at your fur, waiting for you to sprint like it does. Life is a treasure, my dear warrior. Keep it. Take care of it. Cherish it.
Β Β Β I want to tell him that I am cherishing life.
His bright blue eyes, gleaming like the endless sky, glitter with a worldβs worth of memories and wisdom. I wonder what heβs seen, heard, felt, scented, tasted. For the first time in moons, I feel alive.
Β Β Β The maple is my treasure, the most precious jewel of all. Rubies glitter from its branches and diamond dewdrops bloom. With it, as I watch the rippling, soft light of sunset bathe its leaves with a orange-gold shimmer, I feel like I can conquer the world.
~~~
Β Β Β My shining triumph is short-lived. A half-moon remains before the icy blue talons of leaf-bare clutch the land.
Β Β Β One morning, I wake up to frost dusting the camp in a silver wonderland. And I wonder if my maple is as beautiful.
Β Β Β Of course. It is the most beautiful creation in the world, a masterpiece that cannot be surpassed.
Β Β Β But my spirits fall like the day when Bluekit approached me as my eyes widen at the sight of the maple.
Β Β Β Itβs no longer in shades of flame, no longer the ever-burning candle nothing can blow out. The leaves are rimmed with frost, wisps of black drifting through like stormclouds in the sky.
Β Β Β No.
Β Β Β This canβt be happening.
Β Β Β No, no, no.
Β Β Β The maple canβt be leaving me now. Please, no! I scream to the listless, silent skies. StarClan, you canβt do this to me! You canβt rip my maple from me! You canβt. Take. Summershine! Again!
Β Β Β As I watch, horrified, time seems to slow. I can see the leafβs stem slowly detach itself from the branch. In three agonizingly long heartbeats, it completely frees itself of the branch andβ¦
Time speeds again. Within the blink of an eye, the leaf flutters up and away, a tiny crimson speckle whirling through the clouds.
Why must life be so cruel? Itβs taken everything Iβve loved, everything Iβve ever treasured.
Love.
Happiness.
Remembrance.
Everything is gone.
Nothing is left.
I canβt give up. Not now. Not yet. Not ever.
Β Β Β Scrambling to my paws, I run into the dense forest. I have a destination: the stream. When Summershine and I were apprentices, we had detested gathering moss there. But sheβd been the light in it. She had found a way to make me happy. One day, she proposed having a moss fight. I wasβ¦ skeptical, but nothing could go wrong with Summershineβs sharp mind. As we played, yelping and laughing as our pelts became tangled in moss, the sun would set and time would pass quickly. And then our mentors would yell for us, but what did that matter?
Β Β Β I shake my head, clearing out the bittersweet memories. Itβs time to take action.
Β Β Β The stream looks as peaceful as it was when I was an apprentice. But this is no time for drowning in nostalgia. I unsheathe my claws, now blunt tips, and set to work. Scrape moss. Check. Soak moss in water. Check. Run back to maple. Check. Water maple. Check.
Β Β Β I allow myself a tight smile and return to camp feeling a bit better.
~~~
Β Β Β After two weeks, nothing has changed. Actually itβs gotten worse. The blackness spreads to all of the leaves, and more began to wither and blow away.
Β Β Β I stop eating. Sleeping. Talking. I shut myself from the world, waiting for the final day when there will be no going back to the good old days.
~~~
Β Β Β I weep through that last night, my tears falling. Watering the earth with grief and lost love. Clouds mist over the moon and nothing is right. Nothing will get better.
Β Β Β The dark skies of twilight vanish, and at the dawn of leaf-bare, something happens.
Β Β Β As I stare at the horizon, I fall silent. Iβve never seen anything as beautiful as a sunrise before, I realize. As the sun slowly, slowly appears from beneath, mesmerizing the world with its faint golden shineβ¦
Β Β Β The first ray of the new dayβs sunlight illuminates the tiny maple.
Β Β Β I remember the first day now. The day after Summershine left. The little tree sits in the corner, covered in shadows and afraid to say hello to the light. Small. Vulnerable. Alone.
Β Β Β Now itβs different. It may have lost everything, but itβs in the light now. Shining.
Β Β Β Shining with a new dawn.
Β Β Β A new future.
Β Β Β And hope.
The last leaf shivers, and everything is suddenly pure and clear. I reach for the tiny maple leaf. Without a moment of hesitation, I pluck it from the branch and watch it disappear into the brilliant, brilliant skies forever.
Life a never-ending mountain range. Climb a peak, and joy is imminent as success is found. But then, how are you supposed to descend the mountain?
You accidentally fall down a cliff and break a bone. However, injuries heal, and you achieve more as time goes on. Then you suffer more falls. And rise up again.
But one thing about life will never change. In the end, everything is worth it, because sunlight will always shine after the darkness.
βWhen it rains, look for rainbows.
Β Β Β When itβs dark, look for the stars.β
Β Β Β -Unknown
THE END
~~~
So basically, I DO know that Summer- isn’t a prefix, but it was created as a reference to the season and the character itself. π
Review, please, if you’d like, and have a good day. π
Um, is it stuck in eternal moderation? Or is it just there for checking in the entries? π
The Art of Doing Nothing
By Sorzi
“Hello! Here you are welcome. Do sit down.”
“I apologize, but I am rather busy. I’d rather finish the tour quickly.”
“The tour? Oh yes, so that‘s what Ravenstar was talking about. You want to know about our lives as Warriors, don’t you.”
“Yes, but I’m actually here to see what Warriors do to prepare for Halloween. It’s part of a prompt for the October BlogClan fanfic contest, and so naturally I’d come to you to get a glimpse of how Warriors prepare for Halloween.”
“I see. Well, have a seat–maybe not there, sit closer where you can see more clearly. Yes that’s it.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s look at Applewhisker’s hunting patrol first shall we?
~~~
Applewhisker pounced on the mouse, but too late! The small creature scuttled away and disappeared. Applewhisker sighed and turned to face his patrol. Nettlewind was sympathetic. “That was a hard catch, it’s okay to miss.” However, Applewhisker’s own apprentice Daisypaw snorted. “He never manages to catch a THING!” The apprentice murmured to her denmate Runningpaw. Runningpaw nodded,and shot an angry look at Applewhisker.
Nettlewind padded forward. “Look, there’s a squirrel!” She whispered to Applewhisker. “Why don’t you try and catch that?” Her invitation did not go ignored. Applewhisker began stalking it, but his hind paw slipped on the dried autumn leaves as he padded forward and startled the prey. The squirrel chittered and ran away. Applewhisker sighed again. “I told you so!” Daisypaw hissed to Runningpaw. “he shouldn’t even be a WARRIOR yet!”
~~~
“Major fail!”
“Yes, unfortunately. Applewhisker lacks confidence, even though he passed his assessment.”
“How about another scene? Applewhisker does seem slightly hopeless.”
“Of course. Look.”
~~~
“You’re right, Fallowlight. I should have addressed the issue already.” Boulderstar sighed. “But I want the Clan to feel safe.”
Fallowlight purred. “They’ll feel safer knowing their leader notices all the trouble. Come on, go call a Clan meeting, I’ll get Applewhisker and send someone else to fetch Goldenwing. Go on.”
Both cats left the leader’s den.
~~~
“Sorry, I can tell this isn’t what you’re looking for.”
“It’s not. I’d love to know what Boulderstar’s problem is though. And who is Fallowlight? The med-cat? Deputy? Boulderstar’s mate?”
“Boulderstar’s deputy. If you like I can show you the med-cat Hawksnow.
“Hawksnow!”
“Yes, Hawksnow. Very talented but hates the smell of blood. Gets apprentices to patch up wounds because of it.”
“Oh, that seems interesting. I’ll certainly–”
“Be careful! You almost fell into the Looking Pool.”
“Oh right–yes thanks–oh wow look my hand got wet! Have you got a cloth? This water isn’t poisonous, right?”
“It isn’t. Look, here’s a cloth.
“Thanks. I’m really clumsy.”
“Right. I’ll show you Hawksnow. You can put the cloth right there. No, not on the chair. Over here, see this peg? Yep that’s it.
~~~
Marigoldtuft hissed as Patchpaw applied a poultice of horsetail and stinging nettle onto her wounds. Patchpaw backed away anxiously. “Are you okay?? Should I get Hawksnow?” The medicine cat was outside the den because he simply could not tolerate the scent of blood. “Drives me dizzy,” he used to explain. “I’m fine,” Marigoldtuft assured him. “Just stings a bit.”
The pale gray-and-white she-cat sat up. “Thanks, Patchpaw!” She mewed as she padded out of the medicine cat den. Patchpaw nodded and padded to where fresh water dripped from the den roof onto the ground to clean the poultice off his paws.
Marigoldtuft did not thank Hawksnow, but the medicine cat didn’t seem to mind. His abnormal dislike of blood was by now not very abnormal, and it was considered usual for him to mix the poultice and an apprentice to apply it onto the wound. The apprentices even included being in his den as part of their daily duties. Patchpaw came out of the den and nodded to Hawksnow. The medicine cat wrinkled his nose and padded away because the scent of Marigoldtuft’s blood had tinged his fur.
~~~
“Oh StarClan.”
“I believe you weren’t looking for this either…”
“Yes… No please don’t sigh, I’m sure you still have many scenes left. I’ll find something to write, I will.”
“Alright. Well let’s look at Brindlekit’s outside-of-camp expedition, which unfortunately is ending…”
~~~
Brindlekit yelped as she was scooped up into Willowfern’s paws. The young queen took Brindlekit’s scruff in her teeth and sighed. “Naughty kit!” She mewed, her voice muffled by the kit, “what were you THINKING, running out of camp like that?!”
Brindlekit whined with protest. “Grasskit and Molekit are so boring! I wanted to have fun!”
Willowfern looked exasperatedly at Mistystone who had accompanied her on the kit search. “Well it won’t be fun if a fox or a terrible BADGER eats you up will it?” She mewed as she entered the camp with the kit dangling from her jaws. “Go on, Grasskit’s with the elders. Look, there’s Molekit,he’s found a piece of moss to play with! Go On! Join them!” She set Brindlekit on the ground.
~~~
“Well I’m sorry to say but this still isn’t what I need…”
“Oh, what exactly are you looking for?”
“Like i said, some thing to help me write the fanfic. Some Halloween related stuff, you know…?”
“Oh. Then I can’t help you much.”
“Why? Your Looking Pool can see nearly everything!”
“Oh, after all, Warriors don’t celebrate Halloween. Thanks for coming anyway! And use the back door, that’s the exit.”
_____________________________________________________________________
Okay this is really dumb. I know I won’t win but I like to get into the spirit of things ;P
This is really cool.
I reach up with my paw to touch the orange object. Flames danced within the holes, casting shadows over the orange thing. Even in the darkness, the fire within the orange thing glowed with a brilliant light.
I could picture my mother now, her sharp voice commanding me to return to camp. She would not relent until I did so. But she was not here, and I was blessedly free.
It was wrong, being so near twolegs; touching things on their nests. But the flames were mesmerizing; drawing me in…. Their dance and warmth were irresistible.
A faint beating noise made my ears prick up. My eyes briefly flickered away from the luminous glow.
Twoleg scent wafted into my nostrils. I shot up, panic flooding my brain.
In front of me lay the twoleg nest. Behind were the twolegs. On my right was a deep stream, and to my left lay a dog nest.
I was trapped. I had outsmarted myself and not realized how vulnerable I could be.
The flames had drawn me in. They had lured me into this trap. I overestimated myself, and I am to blame for what is happening.
I cannot fight twolegs. I cannot swim. And I will not face dogs alone.
I was trapped.
Is this the price of freedom? Cats were always talking about how freedom has a price. I had always assumed it would be things like responsibility or good manners. But was the price of freedom something much steeper?
Everycat must fight for freedom. But what fights come after the fight for freedom?
The twolegs approached. Now I could see them. They were dressed oddly; in pelts too bright and large. Pelts had been stuffed onto their heads, and some carried heavy parcels full of squares. Another some had blood trickling down his face.
I closed my eyes and reopened them. The twolegs came.
If I had to fall, I would fall happily. So I pictured those that I loved.
My mother, every sharp yet ever strict.
My father, funny and adventurous.
My siblings, supportive and sarcastic.
My crush, funny and kind.
My leader, wise and noble.
And my mentor, patient and knowing.
I was not yet a warrior. Unlike some who were satisfied with fate, I had not lived a full life. I would not die weak.
I bared my fangs.
The twolegs can come. But I will never submit to their ways. I will stand strong.
If I cannot use brute force to escape, I will be sly and diligent.
I will watch and wait until the time comes.
And then I will spring away.
Truly free.
Cool!
I really like this, Sky. π
Just in time…
This is…
Sour Sisters
βThe apprentice stared down at the kitβs remains. And then looked up and saw bright blue eyes. Itβs eyes. The Monster of Leaf-Fallβs Dayβs eyes. The great beast blinked once , then disappeared, leaving the apprentice with the kitβs dead bodyβ¦β
A shriek cut through Yellowleafβs story, startling Swanpaw and making her jump. Swirlkit closed her mouth, having completed the shriek. She was clinging to her sister, Blazingkit.
βW-was it the monster? Did the monster kill the kit?β She murmured softly, eyes wide with horror.
Swanpaw sighed and rolled her eyes at the kit, then gave a sharp glare to Yellowleaf. How did the elder expect her to change out his bedding with these kits screaming every which way?
βMaybe you should stop the story, Yellowleaf. Itβs obviously upsetting Swirlkit.β Swanpaw mewed.
Swirlkit started to nod.
βNo!β One of the kits yelped. βWhat happens next, Yellowleaf?!β All the other kits yowled and voiced their agreement.
Swirlkit shivered nervously and crouched down on the ground.
One kit, Icekit, hesitated for a moment, then walked over to her.
βDo you want to play mossball outside?β he asked. βIβm sure someone would be willing to play with us. Maybe my dad.β
Swirlkit nodded and raced out of the den with Icekit, relief showing on her young face.
Swanpaw quickly finished changing Yellowleafβs bedding, shutting out Yellowleaf and the kitsβ voices.
She hurried out of the den and promptly bumped into her sister, Ravenpaw.
βSwanpaw! Do you hear the story Yellowleaf is telling the kits?β
βNo,β Swanpaw said bluntly. βI was doing my best to shut it out.β
Ravenpawβs tail twitched excitedly and her eyes were glittering. Swanpaw started to get an uneasy feeling. Ravenpaw had that look on her face. The look that promised trouble, and mischief, and sneaking. The last time sheβd had that look, Swanpaw had fallen off one of the trees at Fourtrees and had to spend two sunrises in Sparklefurβs den. Sparklefur was their medicine cat.
βHeβs saying how no one has ever gotten a good look at the Monster of Leaf-Fallβs Day. if we were the firstβ¦β she grinned slyly at her sister.
Swanpawβs fur bristled. βAre you crazy?β she hissed. βYou want to go hunting the creature known for killing kits and apprentices? I donβt know if you noticed, but weβre apprentices!β She shivered.
Ravenpaw cocked her head. βAre you scared?β
Swanpaw blinked nervously. βNo, of course not! I justβ¦ …donβt want us to waste our time! The Monster of Leaf-Fallβs Day isnβt real.β
Ravenpaw sighed. βWe might as well try. Weβd be famous! Come on.β
Ravenpaw stalked away. Swanpaw groaned but followed. Not that Ravenpaw needed help. But Swanpaw didnβt want to be alone.
She muttered softly and she walked through the forest trailing after Ravenpaw. Slowly the sun sank below the horizon and it got darker and darker and darker stillβ¦
βWait,β Ravenp[aw hissed and softly as she could. βDo you hear that?β
A rustling. A twitching. A slithering. What was it?
Swanpaw looked up at the moon. The moon always relaxed her.
There were two moons.
Glowing a bright blue.
Actually, Swanpaw thought, Those look less like moons and more likeβ¦
βEyes!β she shrieked. βThe monsterβs eyes!β
She sprang away and heard a roar.
βThe monster! The monster!β
She looked around for Ravenpaw and couldnβt see her.
βRavenpaw? Ravenpaw!β
Then she saw her sisterβs dark form haring away toward camp. Swanpaw followed as quickly as she could. She could feel the monsterβs hot breath on her flank. Hear it panting.
Swanpaw ran faster.
She heard a yowl and looked up, only to see Ravenpaw dangling from the monsterβs jaw by her tail.
She ran. Even faster.
A sharp claw hooked her flank and picked her up. She frantically tried to run, pinwheeling her paws in the air, but to no avail.
The monster brought her up close to itβs face. Itβs breath smelled rancid. She looked into itβs eyes.
Itβs bright blue eyes.
Itβs beautiful eyes.
Strange, Swanpaw thought, Ravenpawβs and her own screams slowly fading from her hearing, the monster and the forest, slowly fading from her vision, until all she could see were those eyes. Strange that such an awful creature would have such lovely eyes. And they look so kindβ¦
Then everything went black.
Swanpaw woke up, panting in her nest. She covered her mourth with her paws to stop herself from sccreaming. She looked herself up and down.
No parts missingβ¦ Goodβ¦
She looked around. She was lying in the apprenticeβs den, her sister by her side and Cloudpaw sleeping peacefullynearby.
Ravenpaw shifted in her sleep.
A dreamβ¦ All a dreamβ¦
But such a real dream it had been.
Swanpaw started to cry.
Ravenpawβs ears pricked up and she picked up her head.
βAre you ok Swanpaw?β
βA nightmare,β she whispered. βAn awful nightmare. About the Monster of Leaf-fallβs Day.β
Ravenpaw looked slightly irritated.
βThatβs why you woke me up?β
Swanpaw started to point out that she hadnβt, in fact, woken her up, but Ravenpaw continued.
βWait a second. Youβre not scared of a nightmare or a monster, are you?β
βI suppose notβ¦β Swanpaw murmured hesitantly.
βOk, good. Good nightβ¦β
Ravenpaw shifted again and a moment later her breathing steadied and she was fast asleep.
βI suppose Iβm not afraid…β Swanpaw said again, softly.
But she was. She was very afraid.
Ravenpaw couldnβt see anything. Her eyes were closed. She relaxed slightly. A good nightβs sleep is just what i needβ¦ she thought.
Screams. Horror-filled screams.
Ravenpawβs eyes flared open. She leaped to her paws, Swanpaw slowly rising. Cloudpaw was gone.
Swanpaw took one terrified glance at her and they darted out into the clearing.
Dead bodies. Lying everywhere. Swanpaw squealed slightly.
Ravenpaw stood stock still. There was Littlestar, already dead. She had been on her last life?
Spinninghero lay nearby, gasping his last breaths.
A heap of shining silver fur was sitting nearby. That must be Sparklefurβ¦
Swanpaw squeaked beside her. She followed her gaze.
Standing at the entrance to camp was the monster. It was holding Swirlkit. She struggled in itβs jaws, wiggling around.
βHelp!β she squealed.
Ravenpaw tried to run, but her paws felt glued to the ground. The monster looked at her, then hurried out of camp.
Swanpaw wailed. Ravenpaw looked down. A river of blood was slowly rising around them. It swallowed up the bodies. Swanpaw raised her head as high as she could, but the blood covered her too. Ravenpaw gasped lightly as the blood came up to her, then she screamed.
She shot to her paws heart hammering. Sparklefur was standing over her. Swanpaw was nearby, talking to Littlestar. Her mother was looking at her, a worried expression on her face.
She blinked groggily, her mind still half in her dream.
βUh? Whatsa goinβ on?β
Everyoneβs eyes shot to her. Swanpaw bounced over, her eyes showing worry. βOh, thank goodness youβre alright!β she exclaimed. βI was so worried!β
Ravenpawβs eyes pricked with annoyance as they always did when Swanpaw put on her nice act.
βIβm fine,β she muttered, pushing Swanpaw and Sparklefur away. βWhatβre you guys so worried about anyway?β she asked.
Littlestar cocked her head. βSwanpaw came running into my den a little bit ago. Said you were screaming in your sleep.β
Ravenpaw glared over at her sister, who had pressed against her once again and was sniffing her over.
Swanpaw looked her in the eye.
βYou sure youβre ok?β
Ravenpaw rolled her eyes. βYes.β she meowed. βNow for StarClanβs sake everyone, leave me alone.β
Littlestar nodded and led everyone but Swanpaw from the room.
Swanpaw breathed a sigh of relief and nestled in next to me.
Ravenpaw pushed her away.
She stared at me in surprise, her mouth open. βWhatβs wrong?β
Ravenpaw glared at her and everything spilled out. All the anger Iβd ever felt at her.
βYou,β she spat. βYou are whatβs wrong. Always so perfect, always so nice, always so pretty, argh! Iβm tired of it!β Swanpaw was starting to cry, but I was on a roll. βYou get all the boys cause you pretend to be sweet and you throw your looks around, but youβre shallow. Yeah, you heard me. And youβre a coward. And Iβm brave, so Iβm going to go prove it. Iβm going to bag me a monster. The Monster of Leaf-Fallβs Day.β
Swanpaw was choking on her tears as they streamed down her face, but she gasped when she said that. βNo! Donβt! Please!β But Ravenpaw didnβt listen. She marched out of the den and out of camp. Ravenpaw could feel Swanpawβs eyes on my back, but she didnβt stop.
Swanpaw curled up in a ball and glanced up at the sun. It was almost at at the horizon. Night would be coming soon.
Ravenpw hadnβt come back yet.
Swanpaw shivered. Could Ravenpaw possibly been right about what she said? Was she shallow?
She felt warm fur and glanced over. Her mother, Hailheather had settled down beside her.
βHave you seen your sister?β her mother asked, frowning with worry.
Swanpaw shook her head. And it was true.
Swanpaw woke up, feeling very cold. She was used to sleeping with Ravenpaw. She glanced out at the dark night. Was Ravenpaw even coming back? Was she that mad?
…or had the monster gotten her?
She had to go find Ravenpaw and see if she was alright.
She slipped out of the apprenticeβs den. Nearby one of the warriors was on guard. Their head was nodding off.
And⦠Go⦠Now!
She darted for the dirtplace and quickly made her way through the tunnel and out of camp. She hurried through the forest, glancing around warily.
This feels too much like my dreamβ¦
Then she heard it.
The faint wails of a cat.
Of ravenpaw.
Her heart leapt into her throat. She took off after the sound.
She made her way through. Going too fast to see anything. She felt the eyes of the prey on her as she darting through their homes. She reached a large clearing and stopped. Ravenpaw was standing, bloody and battered, before a large badger.
Swanpawβs eyes widened. Sheβd never actually seen a badger, but sheβd heard stories. This beast was the stuff of nightmares.
Itβs beady black eyes were the worst.
The creature was standing over ravenpaw, who was cowering against the ground.
Youβre too close to my sisterβ¦
She leapt out of the trees and onto the badgerβs back, then bit down on itβs neck, hard. She clawed as hard as she could. She saw Ravenpaw collapse.
The badger threw her off.
It came up to her, itβs awful breath smelling like the monster from her dream.
I think I give upβ¦
Then she saw a cat. She was beautiful. She had stars in her blue-grey fur. Her eyes were bluer than anything sheβd ever seen. They were also very kind.
Somehow, she gave Swanpaw strength.
She leapt and clawed at the badgerβs eyes, the strange cat watching.
The badger squealed and backed up, itβs eyes bloody. Then it ran away.
Swanpaw slowly lowered herself from the ground. She hadnβt fought for very long, but she was exhausted. She closed her eyes..
βHello.β
It was a voice so beautiful. A voice like silk. It could only beβ¦
She opened her eyes and saw the beautiful cat that had given her strength standing over her.
βWho are you?β Swanpaw whispered.
She blinked. βIβm Maplestar.β
Swanpawβs eyes widened. βAnd you came to help me from StarClan?β
Maplestar nodded. βI had to help you. Youβre so brave, after all.β
Swanpaw blinked. βAh, I think you have the wrong catβ¦ Iβm not braveβ¦ Maybe youβre thinking of my sister Ravenpaw here?β
Maplestar shook her head. βNo, Swanpaw. You are brave. She is just reckless. You came after her to help her. She came out here to get praise. And if anyone deserves to be a warrior in your clan, itβs you. Right now.β
Swanpaw blinked in shock as Maplestar faded away. Then a rustling came from the bushes and Littlestar burst out along with many other warriors and Sparklefur.
They all stopped short and stared at the scene.
Sparklefur was the first to move, rushing to Ravenpawβs side.
Littlestar approached her and laid her tail on her shoulder. βI had a dream,β she said softly. βThat I should come here. And then I heard a voice that said, βDo they deserve to be a warrior?β and the answer is yes, Swanpaw. You deserve it.β
Swanpaw blinked away tears and turned to her sister.
βAnd Ravenpaw?β
Littlestar blinked. βSheβll have to wait a little bit longer.β
Swanpaw glanced at her sister and sighed. βThank you, Littlestar, but I want to receive my warrior name with her. She means a lot to me.β
Just then Ravenpaw looked up at her, her face streaked with tears.
βThank you,β she rasped. βAndβ¦ Iβm so so sorryβ¦β
Swanpaw smiled and pressed herself against her.
From then on, in the legends of the clans, two cats were remembered. Swanlove, for her bravery and love. And Ravenclaw, her sister, for making her that way.
And through monsters and badgers, jealousy and love, fear and anger, they would always be sisters.
I don’t have time to submit this so imma go cry in a corner. Bye.
Oh gosh I just properly read the submit time is this okay?
Lost
October 30th, Just Past Moonhigh
Frostleap shivered in the brisk Leaf-fall air. She hated this time of year, the twolegs always made the most chilling sounds. Walking cautiously through the forest with evening past, she could only be reminded of when she was young, scared, and alone. The Dark Forest had cast a horrible spell on her, the rot and decay used to welcome her. She had been stronger then, but now she felt like a different warrior, not the brave young hero that had killed vicious Mapleshade. A howl pierced the air, mournful and melancholic, sending a chill straight to the bone. Frostleap bristled in alert, senses pricked. A voice rang through the silence,
βDo you remember me, dearie?β The voice was honey, yet there was something unsettling in it, almost like it was rotten. She tentatively turned around, bracing herself for a certain horror. A face. It was horrible, demented. An unnatural U-shaped smile was permanently set against its face, fangs peeking out from underneath the lips. Flashing, pure white pupils against a strong green peered out of the gloom, holding rage, fear, anger, and sadness cooped up in a unnatural mix. As soon as it appeared, it disappeared. She sprinted toward what Frostleap thought was the general direction of camp, the dark trees skimming past her as she raced, faster and faster, the face reappearing inside her mind, urging her forward. She halted to a stop, then fell to the ground, exhausted.
October 30th, Dawn
Dawn was upon her, but the tall, looming trees blocked out most light. As if it needed to be darker, a dense layer of fog spread across the area. It was all so vague and dreamlike. Then realization hit Frostleap in the eye. She was lost. It was only then when she took a closer look at the landscape did she see them. They crowded the area, each with unique pelts, but the same face. The face, to be exact. They cried out in silent wails, and although their bodies seemed solid, they moved as if they where liquid shadow.
βWe are the Lost, sweetie.β That voice again. That face again. A nightmare revisited. She recognized those eyes, that steely green glare. The glare she thought she had faded, so very long ago.
βMapleshade?β Frostleap asked.
βSo you figured it out. Those killed twice, those forgottenβ¦. They all come here. But see them?β Mapleshade gestured to a trio of cats headed the direction she had come from.
βTigerstar, Spottedleaf, and Hawkfrost are following your scent trail. They want revenge.β Frostleap let out a small gasp.
βBut why isn’t Spottedleaf fighting Tigerstar? He killed Firestar after all.β She asked. Mapleshade’s dreadful smile widened.
βSpottedleaf believes that she’s walking next to Bramblestar. To her, father is son, and son is father.β Frostleap felt positively sick.
βWhat are they after?β She asked.
βDon’t you know?β Mapleshade hissed spitefully.
βSpottedleaf and Tigerstar are headed to the Moonpool,they’re going to make Bramblestar and Firestar Lost. Hawkfrost, however, is still seeking out power.β Then Frostleap realized who she was talking to, and what she should be doing. Quick as a flash, Frostleap raked her claws across Mapleshade’s back. The wounds disappeared instantly. Mapleshade looked at her, amused.
βLost cats don’t just die, silly. You have to do it a special way.β She purred silkily. Cautiously, Frostleap padded backward, then ran.
October 30th, Sunhigh
Twisting and turning, she sprinted, following her scent trail closely. She only wanted to get back to Thunderclan camp, and warn her Clan of the dangers to come. Yet how could she convince them that the danger was real, and it wasn’t just a dream? She didn’t know, but she had to get back there. That was when she saw the tree ahead of her, and rammed into it full force, not able to stop. Her vision went black, and she collapsed.
October 30th, Dusk
Frostleap woke up, feeling well rested and strong. Ready for the dawn patrol, she got up and stretched. Almost immediately, the memory of the day struck her. Her throat hardened into a hard knot of determination, she was ready to face whatever dangers may come, invigorated by the golden filter of dusk. She stretched, then took off sprinting. She had a rush of adrenaline, and was not about to waste the energy she got from it. She didn’t run for a long time, the sun was still visible in the sky when she found the clan camp.
βFrostleap, you are now officially on apprentice dutiesββ The Thunderclan deputy, Hawkeyes mewed haughtily.
βDisappearing for a day is the exact thing you shouldn’t be doing, and I am very disappointed in you.β Frostleap shook with outrage.
βHawkeyes, I am going to speak with Yellowstar now, please excuse me.β She said, struggling not to burst into rage. She spun around, and walked to the leader’s den, claws unsheathed.
βYellowstar? May I come in?β She asked.
βEnter.β Yellowstar mewed. Frostleap entered, nodding respectfully to Yellowstar. βYellowstar, I just had a very troubling adventureβ¦β¦β
October 30th, Nighttime
Yellowstar looked at her closely, then burst out laughing.
βThatβs the worst excuse Iβve heard in moons! Frostleap, you donβt have to make excuses, I can forgive and forget!β He mewed, still snickering. Frostleapβs eyes widened with worry.
βIt’s true though, I swear it!β She exclaimed anxiously. Yellowstar looked at her skeptically.
βRight, and I’m a mouse.β He chuckled. Frostleap growled softly, then raced out of camp with a new determination. Perhaps she could get to the Moonpool in timeβ¦.
October 30th, Moonhigh
She had just arrived at the Moonpool. She wasn’t sure what to do, she just lapped at the crystal water, and let sleep take her away. She awoke in the most beautiful forest she had ever seen, the moonlight gently filtered through dense, but not to dense trees. She spotted a cat with stars in his pelt, carrying a freshly killed vole.
βHello? Where is the Starclan camp?β Frostleap said cautiously. The tom looked at her with mild relief.
βCome. We’ve been waiting for you.β He led her to a clearing, where there was a shallow scoop in the ground, revealing mossy nests. There seemed to be cavelike structures attaches to it where she figured there would be more nests.
βCats of all clans!β The tom mewed. Every head swiveled in his direction.
βFrostleap here has something to say.β He backed off, and she timidly approached, and began to tell her story once more.
October 31st, Dawn
This time, the cats believed her.
βI will summon the leaders.β The tom said, who’s name she found to be Riverstar, said.
βIn these circumstances, hopefully they’ll be asleep.β
October 31st, Sunhigh
Frostleap paced anxiously, trying to think of a plan. That was when they appeared. Starclan cats were scattered all over the territory, ready to sound the alarm should the Lost appear. The agreed sound was a hawks cry, and when she saw the faces, that was what she let out. The Lost couldn’t see it, but the territory was swarming with warriors, all heading back to camp with caution. Several more guards were added to Bramblestar and Firestar’s den. That was when the attack came. Only four cats, but they had seasons upon seasons battling, and not a claw could touch them. She saw Mapleshade lunging after Riverstar.
βWhy are you here?β She demanded. Mapleshade’s eyes were wilder than ever, and when she replied, it was ragged and gruff.
βFreeβ¦. Kitsβ¦.. Saveβ¦..β She was crazy. They all were, Frostleap realized, just that Mapleshade was slightly more sane. She lunged at her, and her claws pricked her throat. The position was familiar, Mapleshade had taught the Death Blow so well, and the last time Frostleap used it was when she killed her. Or rather, made her Lost. The effect was immediate. She dropped to the ground, and vanished. A realization hit her. βEverybody, kill them the same way they died the second time!β She yowled, hoping the cats could hear her over the fray. Apparently they did, because the yowling soon stopped, and peace came.
βWe did it.β Riverstar breathed, and sent her home. She awoke at the Moonpool, and trotted back to camp. When Frostleap arrived, the medicine cat, Duskshimmer, said to her,
βWelcome back Frostleap! Starclan appointed you deputy!β Frostleap gasped in shock, and stumbled back a bit. In the corner of her vision, she saw Hawkeyes was enraged. She couldn’t care less.
The end
I think it’s okay as long as she hasn’t judged yet
(I know it’s late but I had an assignment due and I thought I had till the 31st please let this count T.T)
SkyClanβs Hallowβs Eve
SkyClan:
Leader: Leafstarβbrown-and-cream tabby she-cat with amber eyes
Apprentice, Plumpaw
Deputy: Sharpclawβdark ginger tom
Medicine Cat(s): Echosongβsilver tabby she-cat with green eyes
Frecklewishβmottled light brown tabby she-cat with spotted legs
Warriors: Patchfootβblack-and-white tom
Petalnoseβpale gray she-cat
Sparrowpeltβdark brown tabby tom
Cherrytailβtortoiseshell-and-white she-cat
Waspwhiskerβgray-and-white tom
Shrewtoothβskinny black tom
Apprentice, Creekpaw
Ebonyclawβstriking black she-cat
Billystormβginger-and-white tom
Apprentice, Rabbitpaw
Harveymoonβwhite tom
Macgyverβblack-and-white tom
Rockshadeβblack tom
Bouncefireβginger tom
Apprentice, Nettlepaw
Tinycloudβsmall white she-cat
Sagenose-pale gray tom
Mintfur-gray tabby she-cat
Fallowfernβpale brown she-cat
Eggβcream-colored tom
Apprentices:
Rabbitpaw β brown tom
Creekpaw β gray tabby tom
Plumpaw β dark gray she-cat
Nettlepaw – pale brown tom
Queens:
Clovertailβlight brown she-cat with white belly and legs kits: (Birdkit, Sandykit, and Honeykit
Elders:
Lichenfurβgray mottled she-cat
Tangleβragged tabby tom
Cats Outside the Clan
Dean β light brown tabby tom loner
Sam β large dark brown tom kittypet
Cas β black and white tom kittypet
Hutchβdark brown kittypet (formerly Shortwhisker)
Oscarβblack kittypet
Roseβelegant brown-and-cream Siamese kittypet with slanting blue eyes
Lily β Roseβs sister
///—///
Hutch sat on the fence of his garden it was the perfect spot to get a good view of the other gardens. He could hear a cat flap in one of the neighboring gardens open and a large brown tom squeeze out from the cat flap grunting a bit.
βThey donβt design them quite with cats your size in mind do they Sam,β Hutch meowed lightly as the brown tom trotted over to the fence and jumped up to join him.
Sam sighed and shook out his fur. βItβs all right, helps keep my weight in check. Reminds me to keep my exercise, canβt just lay around and look pretty like Rose and Lily.β He meowed lightly.
Hutch let out a purr of agreement, βIs your brother going to be coming around tonight?β He asked.
Sam flicked his tail and snorted, βHeβll come if the huntingβs poor. When it comes to food, Deanβs happy to do whatever to keep his belly stuffed. Even if it means stealing some from me,β He sighed though his eyes were warm, βI suppose I have some to spare, so I can let him get away with it,β
βYou are a very noble brother,β Hutch noted with amusement. βDean should appreciate that,β He flicked his tail and sighed catching sight of some dark green fabric that was in the middle of his own garden, βI can understand his draw to freedom, it’s times like these I wish I hadnβt given up my place in SkyClan though,β He muttered.
βOh yeah that group of cats that decided to live in the gorge,β Sam mused, βIβve heard about them, and how some cats leave their housefolk during the day to go be with them too, Iβve been considering visiting. But why- oh, right itβs that time in Leaffall your housefolk try to force those annoying fabric things on you too huh?β
Hutch curled his lip, βI like my housefolk donβt get me wrong, but itβs so uncomfortable. And the one they got this year is extremely restricting. Too often the fabric comes down over my eyes and I feel like part of my muzzle is stuck in the maws of some creature.β
Sam let out a mrrow of amusement. βFortunately for me, my owner just put on some weird fabric that made extensions off my head. It was weird, but I let them have their fun. Iβve learned from you guys that if you throw it off, theyβre just going to put even more restrictive things on you,β He said with a flick of his tail.
Hutch huffed and shook himself, βThey shouldnβt be putting anything on me in the first place!β He replied simply.
Sam chuckled amused to see his normally quiet friend so steamed about something for once, βI guess since theyβre donning costumes, they want us to as well,β He flicked his tail. βJust tolerate it for a little while, then theyβll get bored and theyβll leave you alone,β He assured him.
Hutch scoffed, βAnd let them think they can continue to do such things?! Absolutely not!β
Sam let out another laugh and he straightened up, βWell then I guess Iβll leave you to settling your difference with the costume. I need to go find Dean and do some rounds might see if Cas is out and wants to tag along,β He said making his way along the fence tail held high, βSee ya Hutch!β He meowed before hopping off the fence and down onto the ground below.
βBye Sam!β Hutch called after the large tom before letting out a sigh turning his gaze back out to observe Twolegplace and the darkening sky as night fell. If he focused on the gorge he was sure heβd soon see the daylight warriors return from the gorge and make their way to their respective homes.
A chill fell over Hutch and he shivered letting out a short hiss bushing out his fur against the chill. βBrr, if itβs going to be this cold, I might be better off just going back inside,β Hutch murmured turning and dropping back into his garden. βNo point freezing my tail off for-β A shadow moving in the corner of his eye made him pause mid step towards his cat flap.
Blinking he turned and looked around his garden, βHello?β He called ears lowering as he peered around. βSam? Dean? Is that you?β He asked heart starting to pick up as he eyed the shadows cast in his garden, the darkening night making it harder and harder to see the breaks in shadows and to tell whether or not something was moving within them.
A chill ran down his back as he felt something that felt like a small breeze against the back of his neck.
βSo,β A harsh voice rasped by his ears making Hutch jump and twist around catching a glimpse of a very faint ginger shape. Like it was there but only just barely. The shape moved around him circling him, Hutch struggling to keep the shape in sight. βThis is where their descendants settled,β The shape mused itβs one gleaming yellow eye flashing with something malicious that made Hutchβs blood freeze.
βWh-who are you?!β Hutch demanded, βWhat do you-ack!β Before he could continue speaking the shape moved in a blur of movement knocking his legs out from under him, and in one swift movement had him on his back a faded and flickering paw pressed on Hutchβs throat cutting off Hutchβs air.
βSh,sh, shhhh, I donβt have time for pleasantries, just tell me where this SkyClan is,β The shape hissed itβs one yellow eye gazing down at Hutch reflecting the kittypetβs frightened face back at him. βAnd thisβll be over quickly,β
Hutch shivered, struggling against the dark shape, chest starting to burn from lack of oxygen. He gagged unable to form any words, and the entity loosened itβs hold letting Hutch suck in a desperate breath before the pressure was reapplied.
βThe-theyβre at the gorge- but what-β Hutch coughed desperately claws trying to rake at the entity, his thrashing paws passing through the entity simply shifting parts of the shadowy figure like a breeze would disturb smoke, before the shadow reformed.
βHutch!β A deep voice called from the boundary of the garden, a scrawny tabby tom on the fence fur bushed out eyes wide. Hutch gagged more and the tabby dropped down from the fence and rushed towards them.
βHmph, itβll have to do,β The entity ground out. βYou clearly have nothing else useful,β Hutch gagged as the pressure on his throat increased. βNo point leaving any friends, around,β The entity raised itβs other claw, βSay hello to my old friends if they let you join their skies,β Then he lashed out with his claws sending flecks of blood flying and leaving Hutch gagging and gurgling as the tabby pounced on the shadow.
The shadow cackled and evaporated under the tabbyβs paws the tabby crashing to the ground on the other side of Hutch.
βFox dung!β The tabby cursed turning towards Hutch, βHutch hang-β He trailed off eyes wide as he took in the sight of the kittypet, a pool of blood forming under him. The tabby gritted his teeth and bowed his head, βSon of a dog!β The tabby growled. βSam!β He said climbing the fence. βSam itβs your friend! Come quick!β He called running along the fence in search of his brother.
Sam emerged a moment after Dean had started calling his name, βDean! What is it, what happened?!β The big tom asked before he spotted Hutch in the adjoining garden. βNo, Hutch,β He whispered.
βI came looking for you, and since you werenβt here I figured Iβd see if Hutch would be willing to share and when I got thereβ¦ I donβt know how to describe it Sammy, it was like some sort of smoky thing was on him, but when I tried to pounce on it, it just, it evaporated.β Dean said tail lashing eyes wide.
βWhat like a ghost?β Sam echoed eyes wide.
βYeah!β Dean said dropping down onto the garden below turning in a tight circle.
βSo, what is Hutchβs home and garden haunted or something?β Sam asked eyeing Hutchβs home as he sat down near Dean.
Deanβs tail lashed and he shook his head, βNo, the ghost was looking for something, heard Hutch gasp out something about a gorge, and the thing told Hutch to βsay hi to my old friends if they let you join their skies,ββ
Sam tilted his head, βHmm, I guess there must be something by the gorge then that the ghost wants,β
Dean nodded, βI guess, so what should we do now?β Dean asked.
βWell, we should probably figure out a way to investigate by the gorge, Cas lives by Billy right? If I recall correctly, Hutch and Cas have both said that Billy is one of SkyClanβs daylight warriors. We could go talk to him and see if we can get a look around the gorge and figure out what that ghost wanted.β Sam said
βIβm surprised youβre so up for hunting this thing down,β Dean noted, Sam shooting him a look the tom quickly straightening up, βNot that thereβs anything wrong with that! Itβs good that you want to do that! Iβm just surprised,β
Sam huffed, βThis thing killed my friend and, it could kill any of us clearly. So, we need to figure out how to either get rid of it or make it leave,β
βGuess we should also pay a visit to Cas too, his owner has that crazy lady that visits every so often, he mightβve picked up something useful,β Dean noted.
Sam nodded, βWeβll have to go in the morning, my housefolk will notice if Iβm gone, especially onceβ¦β He glanced towards Hutchβs quiet garden.
Dean nodded letting out a sigh, βAll right, you think your twolegs would mind if I crash with you tonight?β
βDean,β Sam muttered wearily.
βI just, what if that thing comes back! I donβt want you to-β
βJust admit you want some of my gourmet food that you know my housefolk get every 7 daysβ Sam said dryly.
βI mean itβs a perk, but come on Sammy, you really think so little of me?! Would you really deny your big brother the right to protect you?β Dean asked as he and Sam padded towards the cat flap.
βYouβre only older by a few seconds, if even!β Sam retorted, but relented. βAll right fine, go in,β He said flicking his tail to let Dean slip inside. βMy foods in my dish, I justβ¦ want to pay my respects to Hutch.β
Dean sobered up and nodded, βAll right, you do that little bro,β He meowed before slipping into the den.
Sam in turn slipped over to Hutchβs garden and moving to sit near his friendβs head. He wanted to sit by his friend until his housefolk came and found him. But he knew doing so would make them likely to retaliate against him and assume heβd done it.
Instead Sam bent his head and licked the top of Hutchβs head moving a paw to close Hutchβs eyes, and he crouched down to share words for the last time with Hutch. While silently promising to avenge him.
///—///
Things had been going well in SkyClan, Leafstar purred as she and Billystorm sat side by side enjoying the sun warming their pelts on one of the rocks in the gorge. After she and Billystorm decided to become mates, Leafstar felt happy and even more content and secure in where she was at present. And just when it seemed like everything was going to go well, and today would be another good day of many.
A yowl sounded from upriver and Tinycloud raced towards camp. Leafstarβs ears moving towards the sound the she cat rising quickly to her paws, Billystorm jumping to his paws beside her.
βTinycloud whatβs wrong!β Leafstar meowed jumping down from their perch to go over to Tinycloud, the small white she cat shaking so much she looked to be practically vibrating.
βItβs Egg! We were out on a hunting patrol down riverβ¦ and we all separated for a short bit, when we heard him shout andβ¦β Tinycloud let out a soft keening her body continuing to shake violently Sparrowpelt moving over to comfort her by pressing his side against hers. The white she cat accepting his offer of comfort as more and more SkyClan cats joined around them.
βAnd?β Leafstar echoed dreading the answer eyes glancing towards where Tinycloud had come from. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Clovertail herding her kits into the nursery and Lichenfur and Tangle ducking into the elders den though both had their heads poked out.
Tinycloud opened and closed her mouth struggling to find the words, when she was saved by the return of the patrol. Because the sight of Sharpclaw padding slowly towards camp with the scruff of a limp Egg in his mouth was explanation enough.
Gasps rippled through the clan, Leafstarβs breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Egg noting how his head was at an awkward angle.
βWhat happened?β Leafstar demanded looking from Sharpclaw to the other members of the patrol.
Sharpclaw didnβt answer moving to set Egg down in the center of all the cats, so Leafstar shifted her focus to Bouncefire and Nettlepaw. Bouncefire looked down.
βWe thought itβd be a good idea to separate and expand our search for prey,β Bouncefire meowed scuffing his paws against the ground. βWe didnβt realize anything was wrong until we heard Egg cry outβ¦ By the time we got to where he was, he was already on his way to StarClan,β
Leafstar glanced back over to where Egg was and Echosong was inspecting the body.
βSo, you donβt know how he fell then,β Leafstar finished.
Bouncefire shook his head. βNo,β He meowed. βAnd we didnβt find him under a tree, or by the side of the gorge.β
Leafstar narrowed her eyes, βWhere did you find him?β the clan looking between her and Bouncefire.
Bouncefire swallowed and looked to Sharpclaw who spoke quietly.
βWe found him by the river bank, on a sandy beach far out of the reach of the nearest tree. Meaning he either jumped off the tallest branch of the nearest tree to his death orβ¦β Sharpclaw trailed off, βOr I canβt explain it,β
A hush fell over the clan, before all the cats began talking at once.
βIs this a sign from StarClan?β One of the cats cried Leafstar recognizing it as Petalnose the she cat standing particularly close to her grown kits.
βOr some new horror thatβs arrived in the gorge,β Fallowfern hissed ears flattening, her words raising the voices to a fever pitch as every cat tried to weigh in.
Leafstar quickly moved to the Rockpile and scaled it, βEnough! All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather by the rockpile!β She ordered, the members of SkyClan hastening to obey though Sharpclaw remained sitting by the broken body of his former apprentice.
βEgg has been found dead by the river, and I will take out a patrol to investigate the area at length,β Leafstar meowed. βWe can make assumptions all we want, but our best hope to find an explanation is to investigate where Egg was found to determine what happened. I will take Cherrytail, Waspwhisker, and Ebonyclaw. The rest of you remain here, for now keep kits in the nursery and have a guard keep watch over the gorge to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Sharpclaw, I leave that to you,β She meowed glancing at Sharpclaw. The tom giving her a grim nod in confirmation. βNow then my patrol will be off,β She meowed.
The cats she picked began to gather around when Billystorm moved beside her.
βLet me accompany you,β He offered worry in his gaze. βIβd like to help,β
Leafstar met his gaze steadily and glanced towards the camp, βHelp Sharpclaw maintain order, Iβll be fine Billystorm,β she assured her mate brushing his muzzle with hers. βTrust me,β She meowed quietly.
Billystorm looked at her worriedly for a moment before relenting and heading over to speak with Sharpclaw.
Leafstar let out a sigh and turned to her assembled patrol, βCome on letβs be off,β She meowed before heading along the river her patrol following behind her.
///—///
Leafstarβs patrol returned as the sun began to dip in the sky. Leafstar feeling disgruntled and disturbed, her patrol looking a bit wide eyed and uneasy.
When they had arrived near the area Sharpclaw had described, Leafstar spotted the place where Egg had been found immediately. There was a clear indent in the sand where Eggβs body had impacted, and as Sharpclaw had said the nearest tree branch was at least a tail length away and one thatβs height wouldnβt be enough to kill a SkyClan cat normally. Injure perhaps, but kill no.
They had combed through the area only to find no trace. No other scents, or physical signs of anything that could explain why Egg had ended up dead on the small sandy beach. Though Eggs scent was detected in the tree closest to the beach, his scent didnβt pass the lowest branch.
Thus, Leafstar was left without a clear explanation for what had happened to Egg.
Which was why when Leafstar spotted Billystorm and Sharpclaw standing by three strange cats now standing in the middle of their camp did her hackles raise and her nerves start going crazy.
βWhatβs going on?β Leafstar demanded as she padded over to the group. Sharpclaw and Billystorm turning to focus on her along with the rest of the clan.
There was a large brown tom standing next to a slightly smaller light brown tabby tom with bright green eyes and a black and white tom sitting on his other side blue eyes focused on Leafstar as soon as she arrived.
The light brown tabby tom moved forwards, βWe came because we think you might be able to help us, help you,β
Leafstar narrowed her eyes advancing towards the light brown tabby. βWho are you?β
The tabby dipped his head, βIβm Dean, thatβs my brother Sam,β He gestured with his tail to the large brown tom, βAnd thatβs Cas,β He meowed flicking his tail towards the black and white tuxedo cat. βWe came because Hutch was killed a few days ago,β Dean said
Leafstar sucked in a breath, βI am sorry to hear that, Hutch was a good cat,β She meowed quietly. She could see the cats who knew Hutch look at each other and murmur a few words of grief and wishes he find good hunting in the sky. βIs that solely why you came?β She asked.
Sam shook his head, βItβs how he died thatβs brought us to your camp today maβam,β He meowed softly, βHe was attacked by some shadowy thingβ¦β
βA ghost,β The other cat, Cas, meowed in a gravelly voice.
βYeah, a ghost, came and attacked Hutch, asked him to tell him where something was, and Hutch said it was in the gorge,β Sam meowed, glancing around the gorge. βWe assume itβs this gorge.β
Murmuring rose up in the clan which Leafstar quieted by raising her tail.
βHow would a ghost kill Hutch?β Leafstar questioned.
βI think I can explain that,β Cas meowed, βIn two moonrises, the moon will be full, and it will fall on the night of Hallowβs Eve,β He meowed gravely earning gasps from the gathered SkyClan cats.
βGreat StarClan!β Echosong whispered as the clan began to grow increasingly nervous as Cas continued.
Frecklewish on the other paw blinked and tilted her head, βWhatβs Hallowβs Eve?β She asked.
βTwolegs refer to it as βHalloweenβ I think,β Sam meowed. βItβs where they dress up in costumes and stuff,β
Cas nodded, βItβs at this time nearing Hallowβs Eve that the barrier between the living and the dead is weakest, and I think this entity will take solid form to seek out what it desires and attacks.β
βBut itβs already attacking!β Cherrytail cried.
Casβs eyes narrowed thoughtfully, βThen it must be a powerful spirit indeed,β He mused, βPerhaps even a culmination,β
βUh, Cas I think youβre losing βem,β Dean meowed seeing how skittish the SkyClan cats were becoming and how Leafstarβs eyes kept narrowing and she looked seconds away from tossing the trio out on their tails.
Leafstar nodded curtly, βRight, do tell if thereβs something that can be done,β She meowed stiffly fighting to keep her own fear in check.
βWill we have to leave the gorge?β Plumpaw asked fearfully ears lowered.
Cas shook his head, βI donβt think so, but we must take precautions, especially since,β He glanced at Egg before turning his gaze to the rest of the clan, βIt seems this spirit is after your clan,β
Yowls of shock rippled through the clan.
βWhat couldβve brought about this horror?β Clovertail cried bringing her kits close.
βStarClan why didnβt you warn us?!β More yowls in panic and fear erupted.
βEveryone calm down!β Leafstar shouted jumping up to the top of the rock pile, all cats focusing on her, βWe will not be able to resolve this problem if we panic,β
βWhy should we trust you?β Sharpclaw growled advancing towards the three, pelt bushing out, βYou speak nonsense and talk about things that you have no proof of to try and scare us out of our fur,β He ground out.
Dean tensed and shifted to move towards Sharpclaw, when Sam quickly cut in raising his tail to bar Deanβs way to keep the tabby tom from leaping at Sharpclaw.
βLook, believe us or not your clan is in danger, but we think we have several ideas for how to keep your clan safe,β Sam meowed. βBut if you donβt want our help then weβll leave now,β He said simply
Leafstar considered the three for a moment, before glancing at Sharpclaw and Echosong. Sharpclaw was glaring at the trio whereas Echosong was looking at them curiously. βWell letβs hear it then,β She meowed, half wishing they hadnβt announced this to the clan like this. But, still anything was better than nothing.
β2 days after Hutch was attacked another cat, Oscar was attacked,β Sam meowed, he could hear some disgruntled mutters from the clan.
βCouldnβt have happened to a nicer guy,β Sparrowpelt muttered before Cherrytail nudged her brother.
βBut he was able to come out okay,β Sam said, βWe had been nearby and it threw me and Dean around at first when Cas came in and covered Oscar with one of the twoleg white pelts they occasionally wear on hallowβs eve,β
βOh, like the costumes twolegs make us wear once every year?β Ebonyclaw meowed and understanding appeared in Billystormβs eyes.
βReally theyβre not just an annoyance?β The tom meowed sounding surprised and Cas nodded.
βOnce Oscar was under it, and I kept him under it the spirit was unable to orient on him. In its confusion Dean and Sam were able to take shelter in a bush.β Cas said.
βMy legs are still killing me from those branches and twigs poking me all over,β Dean muttered but fell silent from a flick of Casβs tail.
βSo, do you suggest the whole clan wear costumes to hide from this spirit?β Leafstar asked.
βItβs your best bet,β Sam said nodding, βOnce Hallowβs Eve passes, the spirit shouldnβt have any power left to form,β
βBut you said you two hid in a bush,β Sparrowpelt pointed out, and Sam winced.
βThat mightβve been because we werenβt its targets, Oscar was, it wanted to know how many in the gorge, and it thought Oscar knew. Oscar of course threw out some random number and that was when me and Dean tried to distract it. It only really attacked us when we got in its way,β Sam meowed.
βThat might change now that weβve come here,β Cas meowed, shrugging his shoulders. βWhich means we are now just as in danger as you are,β
βSo as of now weβre all stuck on the same branch,β Dean said tail flicking, βMeaning weβve gotta figure out how to get everyone here a costume to use to fool the spirit,β
βCas and I both have costumes in our Housefolkβs den, do any of the former kittypets have theirs?β Sam asked glancing towards some of the daylight warriors.
Billystorm frowned, βMy housefolk might have my old ones stashed somewhere,β He mused, βThere should be a couple for a few cats to use.β
Ebonyclaw curled her lip, βMy housefolk have a few for me as well,β
βThen weβll start things off by gathering costumes from the Daylight warriors dens,β Leafstar meowed. βWeβll need a patrol to go there,β
βWhat about the kits?β Clovertail asked stepping forwards her tail still wrapped around her kits, βI doubt my kits will fit into any costumes the kittypets wore recently,β She meowed glancing from the daylight warriors to her own kits.
βAs long as you cover them with a white pelt and keep them under it that should work. We can just have them pretend to be a multi-humped ghost camel,β Dean meowed with a chuckle at the confused look on Clovertailβs face as Sam smacked his side lightly with his tail.
βBut what if it falls off or one slips out?β Clovertail fretted,
βWe do have two days,β Cas meowed turning to Clovertail., βWe can work out something for your kits,β
Clovertail frowned worry still gleaming in her eyes but she said nothing as Leafstar sighed.
βAll right, Billystorm, Ebonyclaw how many cats do you think youβll need to fetch your costumes?β Leafstar asked.
Billystorm looked thoughtful before he nodded his head, βIβd say about 5 cats should be enough for both of us,β
Leafstar nodded, βSam and Dean you will accompany them to gather their costumes,β She told the two toms.
Dean grunted while Sam nodded, βOf course,β The taller tom dipping his head respectfully to the SkyClan leader.
βWhat about Cas?β Dean asked tail flicking to the black and white tom next to him.
βI would like to speak with him,β Echosong meowed stepping forwards, Cas turning to meet her gaze. βIβd like to discuss his theories in depth,β
Cas nodded, βIt makes sense as you are this clanβs seer and healer, it would be a pleasure to discuss things further with you.β
βThen the patrol going to twolegplace will be led by Billystorm, and contain all the daylight warriors.β Sharpclaw meowed stepping up beside Leafstar, βItβs late now anyways so youβll be heading back there anyways,β
βAnd weβll return early tomorrow with as many costumes as we can carry,β Billystorm meowed nodding.
βIs that all?β Leafstar asked looking at the three newcomers and the rest of her clan, and when no cat said anything. βThen this meeting is adjourned and for tonight every cat is to stay out of sight, weβll post a guard but they are to stay hidden and out of sight.β
Meows of agreement and understanding met Leafstarβs command and the cats separated to go about their tasks. Cas being led towards the medicine cat den by Echosong and Frecklewish to interrogate the tom, while Sam and Dean joined the daylight warriors heading out of camp together.
Leafstar dropped down from the rockpile and pushed down her nervousness, when she felt a pelt brush against hers and she turned to see Billystorm.
βItβll be all right,β Billystorm meowed, βWeβll get through this,β He assured her, βIβll see you tomorrow morning bright and early with a costume thatβll look good on you and not restrict your movements too much,β He promised heading to join the patrol and Leafstar watched him go before turning her gaze skywards as the first StarClan warriors began to appear in the dusk sky.
βStarClan, please guide us through this trying time,β Leafstar mumbled.
///—///
Over the course of the next day and a half the clan prepared gathering costumes and plotting how best to deal with the dark culmination of spirits that had come to cause trouble in the gorge.
βWhile we have a way to avoid the spirits, Iβd rather not have to deal with this when this time rolls around next leaf fall,β Leafstar had told Cas who had nodded and he and Echosong had shared their knowledge until they hatched an idea.
Cas had gone into the cavern of glowing moss, βThere is a sense of your spirits here,β He had meowed nodding to the inside, Echosong peering into the cavern with him.
βYes, itβs where I share dreams with StarClan,β She meowed as Cas studied it and then nodded.
βYes this will do perfectly,β He meowed, to the confusion of Echosong, and he elaborated. βThis place already has a connection to the spiritual plane, and on Hallowβs Eve, it will be how weβll deal with this culmination permanently.β
βI donβt understand,β Echosong meowed shaking her head sparing a glance at Leafstar and Cas sighed.
βThis is where StarClan reaches out to you from the beyond, itβs where you the living and dead make contact,β Cas elaborated. βAnd itβs here that this will allow you to turn our physical blows against this culmination into actual damage. The only challenge will be luring the culmination into here and choosing someone to defeat this monster,β
Leafstar had then stepped forwards, βI am clan leader, I have more than 1 life to give to my clan, I can handle this task,β
Cas had then turned and looked her over and he nodded after a moment, βVery well, then what will have to happen is on the night of Hallowβs Eve, you will have to be wearing a costume until the culmination comes searching and then you must take it off quickly and lead it to here and then fight it.β
βAlone?!β Echosong had cried aghast,
βPreferably not alone,β Cas amended, βBut a good idea is to screech or in some way vocally signal that you have the culmination where it needs to be, and then what can be done is the cats in costume can stand at the mouth of the cavern and keep the culmination from escaping as well as assisting with taking it down, do you understand?β
Leafstar had paused for a moment and then sheβd nodded straightening up, βYes,β
After that now they had a plan, costumes for every member of the clan, and now as the sun began to slip towards the horizon in the sky the clan was getting ready for the battle with the culmination. Leafstar watched as Sam walked around with some weird horns attached to his head. Though he called them βantlersβ and said a bit sheepishly he was dressed like a βmooseβ.
Leafstar hadnβt been familiar with such a creature so sheβd shrugged her shoulders and moved on watching as the large tom assisted Clovertail and Patchfoor in getting their kits under the white pelt. It was a bit difficult but hopefully with Patchfoot and Clovertail also under the pelt with them, theyβd all be okay. Though just in case Leafstar had told them to go as deep into the nursery as they could for extra protection.
Mintfur was dressed as some princess lee or something. Both Ebonyclaw and Dean had been quick to assure the poor cat that she was a βcoolβ princess, and Leafstar had just shrugged. The white pelt and the dark brown weird fur that was curled like a twoleg food sheβd seen once that Mintfur had on either side of her head was strange regardless of what the daylight warrior and loner said.
She continued to pass SkyClan cats decked in strange pelts or with weird coverings on their pelt. Frecklewish and Echosong were wearing white pelts that covered a part of their heads and white pelts, the white pelts and head pelts had a symbol of red. Sheβd been a bit unnerved by the red at first but was assured that the symbol represented healing to twolegs, Echosong recalling it having been present on buildings twolegs went to get better.
Leafstar then turned her head to see Cas and Dean talking to each other, Dean was wearing a hood that was mostly black and a weird bat symbol was on it.
βCome on Cas, look, Iβm Batcat!β Dean boasted lifting his head.
βYes, Dean youβve told me that before,β Cas meowed, the black and white tom had white feathers attached to his back along with some weird silver circle branch thing that was held over his head. βAnd Iβm telling you like I did the first time, I donβt understand that reference,β He meowed to a mrrow of amusement from Dean.
Leafstar shook her head at their antics before she went over to Billystorm and Sharpclaw, her deputy look irritated, the tomβs costume resembling some sort of vicious lizard. Though Sharpclaw had been quick to protest the tightness of the costume.
Billystorm wore something that resembled a plant that heβd told her was something called a pumpkin, Leafstar had no idea what a pumpkin was, but as long as the costume kept her mate safe, she really didnβt care.
βHere, Iβve got your initial costume,β Billystorm meowed helping to fix something to her head, Leafstar having to fight the urge to shake it off letting Billystorm work it on her head, βThere! Now weβre both pumpkins together!β
Leafstar tilted her head before she turned to the river and sure enough the new headpiece bore an orange plant shape with a face drawn in black. It looked a bit odd and askew, but it would do.
With her βcostumeβ acquired and the sun starting to dip below the horizon now, she leapt onto the rockpile, βLet all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather by the rockpile for a clan meeting!β She yowled.
Immediately the cats of SkyClan along with Sam, Dean and Cas all gathered by the Rockpile, with the exception of the elders and the cats in the nursery who were peering out from under their white pelts as Leafstar addressed the clan.
βI see that all of you have your costumes on and everyone appears ready, now I know that tonight is the night of a full moon, but due to the circumstances I think StarClan will forgive us this once for not having our gathering tonight. But now, as the sun sets and the moon begins to rise we need to-β
A chill fell over the gorge as a dark cloud passed over the setting sun casting the gorge in dark shadows, Leafstar falling silent as wind whipped past knocking the little head pelt she wore off.
βAll this fear in StarClan,β A voice hissed a sound of claws passing over stones drawing all eyes to a dark shadowy shape that stood at the top of one of the ledges in front of the warriors dens. βWhen you should be afraid of me, little clan cat,β The shape was all black with one white paw, itβs claws unusually long, itβs shadowy appearance unclear of why this was.
One of the apprentices made a soft whimpering noise, but Leafstar couldnβt look, her eyes locked on the shadow as it stalked along the ledge of the warriors den before dropping down all the way to bottom of the gorge. The creature seemed to morph from the shape of the black tom with strange long claws, instead taking on the appearance of a scrawny mottled ginger tom with one eye. The cat lifted his head and bared his teeth at Leafstar while stalking towards her, paying no mind to her clanmates decked in costumes.
He practically treaded on Cherrytailβs tail, the tortoiseshell cat decked out in a strange colorful shiny pelt with added fuzzy rainbow colored pelt on her head. But despite the explosion of loud colors the tortoiseshell cat was wearing it was like she was invisible.
βThank StarClan! The costumes are working! He canβt see anyone, well anyone but me,β Leafstar thought grimly as she tensed.
βAnd who, are you?β Leafstar asked dropping down from the rock pile moving away from the cluster of clan cats. Although he had yet to recognize the disguised cats yet, she wasnβt sure the illusion would hold if he made contact with any of them. She kept her eye on the shifting shadow as he spun around to focus on Leafstar.
The culmination let out an echoey chuckle speaking with several voices, βI am those who have no place, no place of shadows, stars, or any path to tread after life,β The culmination flickered between different cat shapes before settling once more on the scrawny mangled mottled ginger tom with one eye. βBut when I realized that my old friends in SkyClan were back from being gone, well I just had to drop by and say hello. Such a shame, there seems to be only you,β He rasped narrowing his eye at Leafstar.
Leafstar lifted her chin moving as subtly as she could towards the glowing moss cavern, βIβm all there needs to be,β She said coldly,
βSuch a shame, I was hoping to have another SkyClan to bring down like I did oh so long ago,β The one eyed cat growled leaning in so he and Leafstar were nose to nose, βI guess Iβll just settle for ending you,β He rasped, before his form shifted to the smaller black cat, blue eyes flashing.
βIβll take pleasure in knowing I brought about the destruction of at least one clan!β The tom spat unsheathing his lengthened claws and without warning pounced on Leafstar.
Immediately Leafstar moved to try and meet him but her claws slipped through him, though she hissed as she felt the culminationβs claws bite into her fur.
βLeafstar!β Rabbitpaw cried the tom rushing towards her, his costume flapping off, Dean opening his mouth the tabbyβs tail darting out to stop the apprentice. Only to catch the apprenticeβs paw instead, Rabbitpaw going head over paws his costume falling off, the culmination shifting to focus on the apprentice who now lay in a heap several tail lengths away from the culminationβs confrontation with Leafstar.
The culmination chuckled pulling away from Leafstar, turning towards Rabbitpaw, shifting from the black and white tom to an indistinguishable black shape that cackled. Lifting itβs paw razor sharp claws sliding out. βHas StarClan found a way to hide your cats from my gaze? How clever, if I just slash out my claws, I wonder how many cats will drop?β The culmination laughed throwing his head back as he advanced on Rabbitpaw.
Rabbitpaw crouched before the culmination looking at him with big wide eyes. The culmination cackled lifting itβs claws ready to bring them down on Rabbitpawβs head, βSay hello to OUR old friends in StarClan!β The culmination hissed, several voices resonating in that world. Then it brought down itβs claw, only, instead of getting Rabbitpaw, they tore through seemingly nothing.
βWhat?!β The culmination demanded drawing back staring at itβs bloody paw in confusion, but still it could not see the owner of the blood.
βDean!β Sam hissed, the tabby tom bending down to pick up Rabbitpaw, his side bleeding under the new tear in the batman cloak he wore.
βYou want this little guy? Come and get him!β Dean hissed around Rabbitpawβs scruff running towards the glowing moss cavern, leaving a trail of blood as he went.
βWhat is this trickery?! Is this that StarClan again?!β The black tom with reinforced claws spat. Before shifting to the one eyed mangy tom, βI will not let Clear Skyβs legacies best me!β He spat taking off after the bleeding Dean and Rabbitpaw.
Leafstar opened her mouth to yowl after Dean and Rabbitpaw, but she snapped her jaws shut as the culmination crossed the threshold into the glowing moss cavern, and Dean let out a yowl followed by an unholy screech from the culmination.
βSkyClan!β Leafstar said and that snapped her startled and frightened cats into action Sam and Cas rushing forwards as well. All of SkyClan rushing to stand and bar the mouth of the cavern, Leafstar at the head.
Leafstar darted inside to see Dean wrestling with the culmination, the culmination looking shredded in a few places, Deanβs batman costume also featuring some tears and specks of blood.
βI will not be denied!β The culmination screeched as Dean pinned it underneath him.
βSorry, but Iβm afraid youβre going to be DEANied,β Dean said with a laugh barring his teeth before he went for the culminationβs throat.
An unholy screech erupted from the culmination when Deanβs teeth found their target. The culmination arching its back upwards claws flailing, drawing some blood but Dean didnβt let go. It continued to screech and thrash as itβs form began shifting between different pelts, appearances, different CATS rapidly, too rapidly for any cat to register. Then the culimination stiffened gave one last choking gasp before it fell into mist in Deanβs paws.
Dean pulled back panting, but he lifted his head, βThere, told you I was batcat,β He said looking at Cas, and though it was probably an attempt to be funny. Deanβs flanks were heaving from exertion and there was blood on the floor from the numerous cuts on his body.
Sam let out a rusty purr of amusement rushing over to rub his muzzle against his brotherβs as Fallowfern darted in to check on Rabbitpaw who lay deeper in the cave and was stunned.
βWell, I think you wonβt have anything to worry about anymore Leafstar,β Cas meowed dipping his head to the leader.
Leafstar opened her mouth and then closed it after a moment. βI donβt know what to say,β The leader admitted to the black and white tom.
Cas shrugged turning his head and tugging off the fake white wings attached to his back and tossing them aside. SkyClan cats spreading back into the clearing to do the same with their disguises. βWell, I donβt know about anything needing to be said, but,β He glanced towards Sam and Dean. Sam who was talking urgently to his brother, a hint of βDonβt you ever do that again!β βRelax Sammy I had it all under controlβ could be heard.
βBut?β Leafstar pressed Cas returning his gaze to Leafstar,
βBut, Sam, Dean and I have given it much thoughtβ¦ and weβd like to join your clan,β
Leafstar let out a laugh, βThat, can be arranged,β She got to her paws waving her tail, βIn fact, we can get that taken care of right now,β She meowed padding out of the cavern of glowing moss and heading back towards the rock pile.
SkyClan cats turned towards her watching as she ascended the rock pile and stopped to sit there and look at them all for a moment before she called her summons to the star.
βAll members of SkyClan gather beneath the rockpile for an important clan meeting,β Leafstar yowled, Patchfoot, Clovertail and their kits peering out from the nursery, to look at Leafstar bewildered before they slipped down to join the clan, the elders poking their heads out of their den. But it was clear from the look on Lichenfur and Tangleβs faces neither elder was inclined to make their way down to join the meeting.
Which was fine. Leafstar turned her attention to the three cats who were standing off to the side near the glowing moss cave. They were looking up at her with unreadable expressions.
βCats of SkyClan, we have faced a great evil today,β Leafstar began sweeping her gaze over her cats. Rabbitpaw was pressed against Fallowfern who was licking her sonβs head furiously, like she was trying to remove all traces of Rabbitpawβs experience tonight.
βAnd we have triumphed!β Leafstar yowled. βSkyClan is still standing!β
βSkyClan! SkyClan!β The clan cheered, and Leafstar lifted her tail for silence.
βBut we wouldnβt be able to do that without 3 brave cats who risked their lives to not only come and warn us of this danger, but actively assisted and fought to protect our clan. I canβt think of any other cats Iβd want in my clan,β Leafstar meowed, Sam perking up, his expression lighting up with hope. Dean flashed Cas a look the black and white tom merely glancing sideways at Dean though the tom seemed to radiate smugness. βSo, Sam, Dean and Cas please come forwards,β
The three toms came forwards, Sam and Cas on either side of Dean who moved a little slowly due to his aching injuries. Sharpclaw shifted to stand near the three as Leafstar straightened up.
βI, Leafstar, leader of SkyClan ask StarClan to look down on these cats. They have shown themselves possessing great spirit and heart, and I extend them the chance to be warriors in their turn,β She turned to Dean, βDean do you promise to serve and protect your clan even at the cost of your life?β
Dean blinked then he lifted his chin, βAlways,β He meowed, as Sharpclaw hissed βsay I doβ in his ear, Deanβs tail twitching, βI do, I mean,β The tabby amended.
Leafstarβs whiskers twitched, βThen by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Dean from this moment forwards you will be known as Deanheart, StarClan honors your determination and courage as we welcome you as a full member of SkyClan.β Leafstar jumped down from her rock and rested her muzzle on Deanheartβs head the tom barely even flinching. And then after a little prompting from Sharpclaw leaned forwards to lick Leafstarβs shoulder before the stepped back.
Next, Leafstar turned to Sam and Cas. βSam, Cas, do you promise to protect and serve your clan even at the cost of your lives?β She asked
There was no hesitation in their voices as they said almost in unison βI doβ
βThen by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior names, Cas, from this moment forwards you will be known as Casfeather, StarClan honors your intelligence and loyalty as we welcome you as a full warrior of SkyClan.β She turned to Sam, βSam from this moment forwards you will be known as Samstorm, StarClan honors your compassion and strength as we welcome you as a full warrior of SkyClan,β She rested her muzzle on both their heads and they in turn licked her shoulder.
Then she stepped back and the clan erupted into shouts of βDeanheart! Casfeather! Samstorm!β As the moon rose above and Leafstar turned her head to the sky.
βSkyClan has grown stronger today, and although today reminded us what we have to lose,β She thought glancing down at the gathered cats. βIt also reminds us of those who have come before and the struggles they went through that led to now,β
Hallowβs Eve is a night for remembrance, both of good and bad.