Thank you for clicking on my story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it. I Just added allegiances Without further ado, let's get started.
His heart pounded as he ran frantically through the shadowed forest. Cats chased him, and though they were far, they were gaining on him. The river he was running towards was only foxlengths away, but it seemed like an infinite gap between them. He saw four dark shapes slinking out of the water, soaking and freezing. The tom allowed himself a moment of victory. They made it, he thought. Though, that moment couldn't last long. He came up on the river, spray from the quick moving waters dampening his fur. There were a few step stones at the beginning, but they disappeared as you got closer to the opposite shore.
Leaping onto the first stone, he almost slipped off it. He leaped again, the rock as slippery as a fish under his paws. Looking behind his shoulder, he saw the pursuers getting closer to the water. He needed to hurry. Several more jumps later, and he is at the edge of the stones. Almost half the river remains to be swam. Under the near-half moon, the cat dived in, water drenching his red-brown fur. Powerful undercurrents threatened to pull him under.
A wave rushes over him, and he is pulled under. The warrior takes a breath in surprise, but only chokes in the water. He struggles back up, wet fur clinging to his skin. His head breached the surface and he takes a deep breath. The cat chasing him were even closer now, and he was exhausted. Paws churning the surface, he struggles to stay afloat. It was then, he realized, he had to give up. If the cats catch him, everything he has done would be for nothing.
Letting the churning water take him, darkness covers his head. He can no longer see the stars. Though his lungs are burning, he feels at peace. Fur comforts him as the river carries him away. He had no idea what would happen to the group, to his family, with him gone. But it had to be this way. Goodbye, Sagesong, he thought, before he drifted off into the steady darkness.
《 》
A marbled white she-cat laid down in a scrappy nest. Her fern green eyes watched sadly as two kits played in front of her. Poor kits, Sagesong thinks, as tremors of worry creep over her. Two days since Oakclaw went missing. Two days since Sagesong had seen her mate. A small, rare breeze passed by, disturbing the she-cat's fur. The small camp wasn't exactly bustling with life, but the group did what it could.
Two cats arrive at the entrance, a few prey pieces in their jaws. The small, leafy bushes shake as the pair made their way into the camp. Sagesong pushed her paws under her and rushes to the two toms. The larger of the two nods at her. "Sagesong," he says.
"Have you found anything," Sagesong says, desperation clear in her voice. The one who spoke to her, Goldenear, flicked a black tipped ear at her.
"I'm sorry, Sagesong, there's nothing. We've searched all along the river. He's probably halfway to sea by now." Sagesong cries out in grief. Emberstalk, the other warrior, puts a white-tipped tail on her shoulder.
"I know it's hard, but you'll get through it. Oakclaw will be greatly missed, he did much for us, but it's time we put our resources towards the cats that are here. And you need to focus on your kits." His dark ginger coat shone in the harsh sunlight.
The two warriors escorted Sagesong across the camp back to the main den. The queen laid down, sighing heavily. Her kits still played, oblivious to their mother's grief.
A gray and white she-cat padded towards her, a leaf packet in her mouth. Pale green eyes glowed with worry and sympathy from the calm medicine cat. "I don't need herbs, Blossomfeather," Sagesong snaps sharply.
"They always say that," Blossomfeather said neutrally. The leaf packet was set in front of her, unfurling to reveal several small black seeds. "You're tired, but you can't rest because of worry. I understand, but you need to accept help. This is your help." Sagesong looked at the small black seeds. All she wanted was to drift away, to forget everything. With a quick lick, she deftly swallowed the seeds, and fell away into a deep, dreamless sleep.
《 》
"Stop squirming, do you want this thorn out?" Toadfoot flinched as Wispfur tugged at the thorn stuck in his paw. Wispfur allowed himself a small smile. Big, tough warriors sometimes acted just like kits when injured.
Finally, Wispfur got a good grip on the thorn and managed to pull it out. The bulky warrior winced slightly, and started to lick his paw to clean the blood off. "Don't do that, it'll get infected," Wispfur said briskly, applying dock poultice to the puncture.
"I'll tell Owlclaw that you are exempt from patrols for the rest of the day. Stay off that paw and come at sundown for me to look at it." In reality, the wound wasn't bad, but it's always wise to be cautious. Wispfur saw Toadfoot out of the den and made sure that he didn't go out of the camp. The midday sun cast a warm light upon the camp. Ferns were starting to sprout in Newleaf, and the greenery was gladly welcomed.
Wispfur padded back into his den. Compared to outside, it was dark and damp, though it was also his home. The only sound in the hollow was a soft bubbling noise, coming from a spring at the back of the den. Wispfur took a deep breath, his pale blue eyes seemingly glowing in the dim space. He put on a face for his clan. A facade of confidence to reassure them. But it tired him out. Why did Blossomfeather have to go. She was brilliant with others, always able to interact and resolve conflicts. Now all the clan had was him.
Wispfur lifted his head up and steeled his heart. The clan needed him, and he wouldn't let them down. With quick paws, he headed towards the herb stores.
Bitter-sweet smells filled Wispfur's nose. He let himself be immersed in his senses for a second. This was where he was most comfortable. Among herbs, he knew what he was doing, and he didn't feel nearly as stressed or anxious when performing his duties. A faint rustle of the den's entrance fronds caught Wispfur's attention. Wispfur sighed. He hoped it wasn't someone needing treatment. Trotting out, he saw a bulky dark gray tom standing in the entrance.
"Stormcall," Wispfur said in relief. Stormcall was a close friend of his, especially since his mother passed. "What are you here for?" Wispfur asks, padding over to greet the tabby.
"What? A friend can't come see his buddy?" Stormcall said, giving Wispfur a nudge with his muzzle. "Just checking on you. Is everything good?" Wispfur swung his fluffed out tail a bit. He didn't want to worry Stormcall.
"Everything's fine," Wispfur replied, returning his friends smile. They had become closer since Blossomfeather and Stormcall's brother, Oakclaw, left. He trusted Stormcall, of course, but he knew he was being silly.
"STORMCALL!" a voice bellowed from outside. Stormcall startled, turning sharply towards the entrance. He looked back at Wispfur, and gave him an apologetic smile.
"Guess I gotta go," Stormcall says, "you know Owlclaw doesn't like having to wait." Stormcall waved goodbye, and headed out of the den. Wispfur was alone once more.
Wispfur trotted again into the back. It was Newleaf, but it was always good to sort and clean out stale herbs. He pawned at the herbs, giving each one a tentative sniff. There weren't many old herbs, as last leafbear was especially difficult. There were a few though. Mostly non-illness herbs, like poppy seeds. He frowned at the store. It was the beginning of Newleaf, so they had yet the time to restore the needed herbs. The clan was especially low on borage, which they were going to need for Cloudwhisper's kitting.
He heard a yowl from outside. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath Tall Stump for a meeting." It was Owlclaw. Ever since Newtstar went into seclusion, Owlclaw was the one to announce clan meetings. Wispfur shook his head. The only ones allowed to see Newtstar, at Owlclaw's insistence, was him and the young medicine cat.
Padding outside, the white furred tom noticed that the midday patrol was back, and at the foot of the Tall Stump. Gingerwhisper sat in front, waiting anxiously for the meeting to start. Wispfur remembered that the she-cat was Sagesong's close friend. He understood why she looked nervous.
Owlclaw stood proudly upon the stump, looking down upon the clan. Wispfur could hear murmurs about how only the clan leader should do that, not an upstart deputy. Those were all too common now, with Oakclaw's replacement by the tom looking over the clan. Cats swarmed around the stump, and Cloudwhisper watched from the nursery, her belly swollen with kits.
"The search patrol has come back," Owlclaw yowled, "and there is no sign of the missing cats. The rain has washed away their scent, and all that we can hope for is that misfortune did not strike them. The past quarter moon, as you all know, ten cats have disappeared. Three of which were a queen and her kits. I assure you, Shadowclan, I shall not rest until they are found. I have spoken to the leader, and he shares my sentiments. The loss of the cats has made Shadowclan weak, but we will get stronger!" Owlclaw ended his speech, raising his voice. The clan cheered, they wanted to find their lost brethren. Stormcall visibly bristled, though, his hackles raising.
Wispfur walked towards the nursery. Before he went out for herbs, he wanted to check on Cloudwhisper. To be honest, he was nervous about her kitting. It would be the first one without Blossomfeather. Cloudwhisper still sat outside the nursery, her gray pelt seemingly glowing from the sun. She glanced at the approaching medicine cat. "How are you feeling," Wispfur asked, glancing over her.
"I'm fine, Wispfur, I'm not a kit. This is my second litter." Wispfur chuckled a bit. The queens were often the calmest of patients.
"I'm heading out for herbs, if you need me, I'll be back before sundown." Wispfur said, turning around and walking out of camp.
Wispfur padded into the pine forest. Smells of fresh spring rain filled his nostrils. The golden rays of the sun drifted through the pine needles, giving the marshy ground a golden glow. The long white fur around Wispfur's feet was stained with mud. He always felt anxious out here. Too large and open. He couldn't imagine living in Windclan.
The sharp smell of borage came to him. The patch was just over a small stream. He leaped over the water, and hit the other side. The patch of leaves didn't look like much, but it was valuable. As he was picking the borage, his mind wandered, and he wondered why Blossomfeather had picked him. He was grateful that she did, bit Swiftpaw was so much smarter, and Bumble-echo quicker to learn. He shook his head. This was exactly what Blossomfeather said he needed to work on.
Wispfur had a jaw full of borage, and was heading back to camp. The sun had started to dip down, and the shadows of the forest grew. It was quiet, the only sound was the light chirping of birds. A small clearing opened up on the way to camp. One of the only places that grass grew. Wispfur furrowed his brows. There was a large pile of feathers, red and brown with white peppered in.
Dropping the herbs, Wispfur walked toward it to investigate. Suddenly, though there was no breeze, the feathers blew away in opposite directions, red feathers one way, brown feathers the other, and white both wits them both. Wispfur startled back. It was a sign from Starclan, he was sure of it. As he picked up the herbs again, he wondered what it might mean. The half moon was tonight, so perhaps he could ask his fellow medicine cats. All he knew was that it would be important.
《 》
Blossomfeather fidgeted in her sleep. The same scene played in her mind. A misty field surrounded her, shrouding all distinguishing features of the land. She could hear the soft patter of rain, though it was muffled. Shadowy figures paced around her in a circle, whispering incomprehensible words.
An eerie, singsong voice drifted in her head. Gone away, gone away, Roots of the Oak washed away, Gone away, gone away, Birds of Newleaf fly away, Gone away, gone away, Stars of night fade away.
Blossomfeather wanted to cry out, but her voice wouldn't work. Every time she tried to run towards a figure, they backed away, as if floating. Her gray pelt felt heavy with mist, and terror spiked through her. She knew it was a dream, buy it was also clearly some sort of vision. The figures faded away, and Blossomfeather woke up in a sweat.
She laid there, panting. Soft moss from her nest clung to her. She had been having this dream for just over a quarter moon. She was tired of it, and no matter how many times it happened, it always scared her.
A quick look outside would deduce that it was still night. The half-moon shone brightly, past moon high, but still far away from dawn, giving the dew on the grass a silver glow Blossomfeather sighed. She would need to go back to sleep, whether she liked it or not.
Blossomfeather padded out onto the plain. Sparse trees dotted the land. Few herbs were to be found, but they were needed.
As she sniffed around for the plants, a odd shadow passed by her. She quickly turned her head. It seemed as if the shadow of a cat was under the tree, pale yellow eyes barely visible. Faint whispering could be heard from around the tall grass surrounding her.
The medicine cat attempted to walk towards the shadow, but it dissipated as she got closer. Shaking her head, she set out again. What have I gotten myself into, she thought.
ALLEGIANCES
Only Shadowclan will have all the cats in it, as it will be the main focus for now. The rest of the clans' allegiances will be shortened.
SHADOWCLAN
Leader: Newtstar- pale brown tom with one half-blind eye
Deputy: Owlclaw- gray brown with several scars
Medicine Cat: Wispfur- snow white tom with ice blue eyes
Warriors:
Toadfoot- dark brown tom
Apprentice: Sandpaw
Gingerwhisper- bright ginger she-cat
Bumble-echo- black and white tom with amber eyes
Apprentice: Quickpaw
Crowtail- dark gray tom with a white belly
Ashsong- dark gray she-cat
Silvercloud- silvery gray she-cat with startling blue eyes
Apprentice: Rowanpaw
Bluetuft- blue-gray she-cat
Puddlestripe- brown tabby tom with blue eyes
Apprentices:
Rowanpaw- dark ginger tom with brown tabby markings
Quickpaw- dark gray-blue she-cat with gray eyes
Sandpaw- blond furred she-cat
Queens:
Cloudwhisper- small gray she-cat with pale gray splotches; expecting Crowtail kits
Elders:
Badgerheart- old gray and black tom
THUNDERCLAN
Leader: Lionstar- golden furred tom with amber eyes
Deputy: Clearstream- pale gray she-cat with blue eyes
Medicine cat: Loudstep- older dull gray tom
Apprentice: Quailpaw
Warriors:
Willowshade- dark brown tabby she-cat with dark green eyes
Emberfang- fiery ginger tom with dark green eyes and a white spot on his chest
Mousefoot- gray tabby tom
Apprentice:Swanpaw
Doepelt- pale brown she-cat
Apprentices:
Swanpaw- white she-cat with dark amber eyes
Quailpaw- med. cat apprentice, splotchy brown she-cat
Queens:
Mapletail- bright eyed tortie expecting kits
Elders:
Shadeheart- graying black ton
RIVERCLAN
Leader: Stormstar- powerful gray-blue tom
Deputy: Shellfur- a lithe tortie she-cat with blue eyes
Medicine cats: Cinderstep- gray tabby she-cat
Gooseleaf- tan tabby she-cat with blue eyes
Warriors:
Rippleclaw- pale gray she-cat with gray-blue tabby markings
Apprentice: Minnowpaw
Ottersting- brown tom with dark amber eyes
Feathershine- silver tabby she-cat
Honeyheart- golden brown tom
Apprentices:
Minnowpaw- pale gray she-cat
Elders:
Moleleap- dark brown tom
Sunpetal- golden furred she-cat with blue eyes
Windclan
Leader: Swiftstar- white tom with black flecks
Deputy: Gorseheart- white tom with ginger splotches
Medicine cat: Hawkthorn- pale brown tabby tom
Warriors:
Juniperpelt- dark brown she-cat with blue eyes
Rabbitleap- pale ginger tom with a speckled muzzle
Rainheart- gray tabby tom
Berrypetal- pretty tortie she-cat
Apprentice: Thrushpaw
Apprentices:
Thrushpaw- cream furred tom
Queens
Dovetail- gray she-cat (mother to Cloudkit a white she-cat with gray eyes)
Elders:
Snowstep- white she-cat with black ear tips
Shadowclan Rebels
Oakclaw- red brown tabby tom with amber eyes
Sagesong- white she-cat with a marbled pelt and green eyes
Goldenear- golden furred tom with black tipped ears
Emberstalk- ginger tabby tom
Blossomfeather- she-cat with varying shades of gray on her pelt
Jayheart- pure white she-cat with blue eyes
Mudpaw- dark brown tom
Robinkit- red brown furred she-cat with white splotches
Sparrowkit- pale brown tabby tom with green eyes
Dawneye- old black she-cat with bright amber eyes
Thanks for reading! Please tell me if you liked this, and constructive critisicm is appreciated.