Random Character Info Box

Name: Sandpaw Kuro

Species: Neko

Birthday: August 1

Age: 10

Height: 133 cm (4'4")

Weight: 28 kg (71 lbs)

Affiliation: ThunderClan

Occupation: Apprentice

Mentor: Whitestorm

Known Family: Sandpaw is the last surviving member of the Kuro family, who is descended from Thunder himself, the first leader of ThunderClan. Each of the four Clans has one of these special bloodlines, each being connected to the Clan's respective first leader. Since Redtail, her father, died, Sandpaw was made the head of the family, a massive burden for one so young. She is seen as an icon of the Clan, the one who represents them as much as the leader does. As is custom, she was given a protecter at birth, this particular person being Dustpaw Sinko, whose family is descended from Lightningeyes, the first ThunderClan deputy.

Appearance: Sandpaw is a short, pretty sandy-blond haired girl with yellow-green eyes. Her complexion is pale, and she has a light dusting of freckles over the bridge of her nose and her cheeks. Her hair is chin-length and jaggedly cut, which adds to her almost rebellious beauty. Her ears are well-proportion and are several shades darker than her hair. Her tail is sleek and crossed through with darker tabby markings. Her thin eyebrows are drawn together in a perpetual scowl, making her seem angry most of the time. She is very lean in frame, though is stronger then what she appears.

Attire: Sandpaw's clothing style has been compared to a human style know as 'punk rocker'. Usually, this consists of a short dark red skirt, black panties, a black short-sleeved T-shirt over a long-sleeved dark red shirt. To gatherings, she wears the traditional floral-print pink kimono typical of the female head of the Kuro household. She wears the Kuro band over her tail, which is a wide silver tube, gilded with gold and studded with rubies. At one of Dustpaw's suggestions, she sometimes wears a red bow in her hair to hold back her bangs. She always wears traditional Japanese-style sandals, whatever the occasion. Her weapon of choice is a silvery-colored bow, and she holds an intricately decorated quiver of arrows on her back.

Personality: Despite her small size, Sandpaw is an agressive and short-tempered girl with rather violent tendencies. Her most common victim being Graypaw, whom she frequently abuses, usually by smacking him with one of her sandals or kicking and punching him in the face. It is thought by Firepaw that this behavior is brought about by the responsibility she was forced to take on at such a young age, when all she really wanted was a simple life as a free-spirited warrior. This may also be the cause of her rebellious tendencies as she struggles to find a place for herself that doesn't involve being the center of attention. Despite this, however, Firepaw points out on several occasions that she has a very noble bearing about her, and at times seems like the powerful lady she was born to be. She has a very deep connection with her protecter, Dustpaw, though is not quite so warm to his brother, Ravenpaw. She also is quite hostile towards Firepaw, for though she doesn't show it, she is very concerned for her Clan's image and thinks a human joining their ranks will make them seem weak. Her best skill is hunting, in which she shows tremendous promise.

Theme Song: Seventeen Ain't So Sweet by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus


Honorific Guide

-sama: "one of high rank", or in this case, "leader", or "revered"

-taichou: "captain", or in this case, "deputy"

-san: "adult", formal, used between equals, or as light respect from a younger person, as in 'Mr.' and 'Miss' in the English language. Also can be used between spouses.

-chan: Can be used in two ways. Most commonly used as an endearing term for one who is thought of as cute or childlike. Also can be used to address a female one shares a strong bond with, whether it be romantic or friendship.

-kun: Can be used in two ways. Most commonly used to address one of a junior status, as in a leader addressing a young warrior. Also can be used to address a male one shares a strong bond with, whether is be romantic or friendship.

-Senpai: "upperclassman", so can be used in an apprentice addressing a warrior.

-Sensei: "teacher", so can be used as an apprentice addressing their mentor.

-hoshi: "Buddhist Priest", or in this case, "Healer"

Note: When honorifics are not used, it usually means the two know each other well enough to not engage in formalities. Could also be used as a sign of disrespect, if the particular person is of very high rank.


The vigil that was held for Redtail created a dismal mood about the camp, completely erasing the tense atmosphere it'd withheld after Firepaw and Longtail's battle.

Spottedleaf had left the clinic, announcing that Ravenpaw's condition had stabled. She'd told Firepaw he needed to rest more, but he'd politely refused the offer. He wished to be here, mourning with his new Clanmates for a man he'd never met.

Strange how life fills you with such feelings of pointless duty.

So he'd stayed, shoulder-to-shoulder next to Graypaw as Redtail's chilled body was hefted into a coffin, one of the many that were stored in one of the cabins. Firepaw figured this practice would be considered gruesome to many, but he could tell it was only part of their life here.

As many stepped forward to give their final respects to the former head of the Kuro family, Firepaw held back. Even when it was Graypaw's turn, he only hovered nearby. Graypaw looked down solemnly at the red-haired man, who'd been given a brief cleaning before being placed in the coffin.

"StarClan will receive you with honor, Redtail-taichou," he said softly, before he stepped out of the way of a brown-haired woman with a bandaged arm.

"What was he like, when he was alive?" Firepaw asked as Graypaw stood next to him again.

"Kingly, and dignified. I've heard stories that when Bluestar chose him as deputy, she said that she needed someone who was sensible enough to keep her eccentric tendencies in check." Graypaw laughed softly, looking up at the clear blue sky.

Firepaw nodded. Graypaw'd already explained to him about the Kuro family, and how they were descended from Thunder, the first ThunderClan leader. "So, Sandpaw is the head of the family now?"

"Yeah." Graypaw frowned. "Damn her, making me feel sorry for her. I'm gonna regret it, I just know it."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see."

"DUMBASS!" A red-and-black shape suddenly sailed through the air. Firepaw just managed to step back in time to watch as Sandpaw's wooden sandal connected with Graypaw's face. Normally, he would have been worried about whether or not Graypaw was okay, but he was too busy trying to figure out how it was possible for her to sail through the air in a line perfectly parralel to the ground. Without any sort of propulsion.

As the girl kicked off of Graypaw's face and landed lightly, he held one hand to his nose and glared daggers at her. "The hell was that for?"

Firepaw blinked at the sandy-haired girl. Her eyes were still puffy and red from crying, but at the moment she seemed more angry than sad. She jabbed one finger at Firepaw accusingly, though she didn't look at him. "What the hell did you think you were doing, bringing one of his kind here?" She hissed.

"Um, hello?" Firepaw blinked, waving. "I'm right here. I can hear everything you say."

Sandpaw ignored him, her pretty face contorted in rage as she pointed at Graypaw now. "Do you even care what the other Clans think of us? Do you know what that's gonna do to us? They're gonna think we're weak, that's what!"

"Sandpaw-sama, you must calm down." The boy with short gray-brown hair and an earring dangling from his right ear stepped forward, placing one hand on her shoulder. "This behavior is unbecoming of a Kuro."

"Bug off, Dustpaw." She snapped, shrugging the boy's hand off and glaring at him venomously.

"No, he's right." Graypaw retorted, straightening up, one hand still to his nose. "Do you even realize your dad's dead?"

Silence followed Graypaw's tactless words, in which Sandpaw's fists clenched tightly. On her tail, the Kuro family band glimmered dimly. "Yes," she hissed through clenched teeth. "I'm perfectly aware that my father is dead."

"Look, Sandpaw, I didn't really mean..." Graypaw started, having caught his mistake.

"Whatever." Sandpaw muttered, and Firepaw could see from the way her shoulders quivered and her tail bristled that she was close to tears. She spun on her heel and began to run, away from the camp and her father's lifeless body.

Dustpaw shot Graypaw a furious glance before he took off after his charge.

"I'm so frikin' stupid." Graypaw muttered to himself, his ears drooping. "Seriously, why would I say that?"

Firepaw smiled sympathetically, though his gaze trailed to the place in the woods where Sandpaw had dissapeared. "Don't worry about it." The orange-haired boy said.

Graypaw looked up as Lionheart approached, and it was easy to see by his weary eyes that the warrior had been grieving for his old friend. "You'd best get to work on preparing some food." He said softly, placing one massive hand on his apprentice's shoulder. "Redtail would want us to celebrate the naming of a new deputy, wouldn't he?"

The gray-haired boy nodded after a moment, before gesturing to Firepaw. "C'mon, you can help me." The two walked through the crowd of weary-looking mourners, all with their heads bowed and tails drooping. They approached a small stone hut with smoke rising from an elegant chimney. Graypaw opened the door, Firepaw following, and found an elderly man tending to the fire.

"Ah, Graypaw." The man smiled warmly, his tiny ears twitching. "Young Firepaw-kun, too. Come on in, you two." Firepaw noticed the large pot over the fire, and the warm brown stew that boiled within. The scent that rose made his stomach growl as he realised he hadn't eaten since the day before.

"It's good to see you, Smallear," Graypaw smiled at the scraggly-haired man, who replied with a short little laugh. "Yes, indeed, I saw that we'd have trouble tonight with the death of Redtail, so I decided I may as well help the apprentices with cooking duties. Such a shame, Redtail-taichou's death is. A wonderful deputy, through and through."

"StarClan will recieve him with honor." Firepaw murmured, repeating the words Graypaw had spoken at Redtail's coffin.

"That they will, my boy. That they will." The old man mused, stirring the broth in the pot slowly. "The stew is almost ready, you two. Graypaw, show Firepaw-kun around, why don't you? The boy's going to be working in here before you know it."

Firepaw smiled warmly, for he already found himself to be quite fond of the kindly old Neko. "Sure thing, Smallear." Graypaw gestured the shorter boy to his side.

"And don't have him do any work yet," Smallear added, a teasing glint in his eyes. "That shoulder of his is probably giving him hell. Don't want to give Spottedleaf any more work than she already has with Ravenpaw."

Graypaw laughed in agreement, then proceeded in explaining the basics to Firepaw. "So, apprentices switch with cooking duties usually. A couple of us cook, some of us clean up afterward, that sort of thing. We usually have warriors or elders or queens helping us, since they say we can't do it right."

"Well, ya can't." Smallear cut in, earning a laugh from Firepaw. "ThunderClan's diet consists mostly of the prey we can find out here. Deer and boar are our main food, as well as rabbits, birds, and squirrels. What's with that face, boy?"

"Well... it's just that, hunting, in human society... is considered pretty immoral."

"It's neccesary around here." Graypaw scoffed, rolling his eyes. Do you have any idea how big the forest is? It's massive. This also happens to be a deer and boar birthing ground, and since their only natural predator around here are the bears, we're needed here. If we weren't here, their population would be way out of wack."

Firepaw nodded in understanding. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"Good." Graypaw nodded importantly, seeming awful proud of himself. "We also eat some wild herbs that the queens collect. It's part of their daily excersises with Spottedleaf. Something about strengthing the kids before they have them, and strengthening their bond once they're born... I don't know."

"Elders will often help with that." Smallear added. "We also have some of our own fruit and berry plants that are tended to by we Elders. By the way, the stew tonight is rabbit thyme."

"Yum." Graypaw grinned, though Firepaw didn't think this sounded particularly appetizing. "Who caught the rabbit?"

"Sandpaw-san. That girl is the best hunter I've ever laid eyes on." He shook his head disbelievingly. "Never, in my time... not even Owleyes himself could compare to her..." His voice trailed off as he began mumbling to himself.

Graypaw suddenly appeared uncomfortable, and he looked toward the door. "So, Smallear, when do you think it's gonna be ready?"

"Hm? Oh, it's ready now. Go call some young'uns in here to carry it outside."

"Sure thing." The tall boy walked to the door and called outside. "Oi! Runningwind, Mousefur... oh, your arm's still hurting? Alright, Frostfur-san, how about you?"

Graypaw stepped back as a tall young man with feathered ears and short light brown hair stepped in. Firepaw noted his long, athletic legs, and assumed he was the one named Runningwind. The second was a middle-aged woman with silvery blue white hair that swept past her waist and a once-beautiful face that was now creased with smile lines.

"You two can carry this out." Smallear hefted the pot from the fire by its handle and handed it to the two, who grasped it firmly. "Start serving it out, why don't you?"

"Yeah, whatever." "Of course, Smallear-san." The two replied at the same time, then glared at eachother momentarily, obviously irritated by the other's response. They left, Graypaw following with a collection of small wooden bowls and spoons.

"Firepaw-kun," Smallear said, to which her turned. "Get your shoulder checked on again. And speak to Ravenpaw. The boy could use some moral support, having seen such carnage at his young age."

Firepaw nodded obediantly, and slipped out of the hut. He crossed the clearing, ignoring suspicious glares from several people as they got in line to recieve a portion of the stew. He knocked on Spottedleaf's door, and she answered imediately with a kind smile. "Ah, Firepaw-kun. Come on in."

The fire-haired young boy followed Spottedleaf to the cot where Ravenpaw lay, his thin eyebrows drawn together and sweat beaded on his forehead. Spottedleaf sighed wearily, her gentle eyes trailing the injured boy's skinny frame. "I told Tigerclaw he wasn't ready..." She shook her head, then turned back to Firepaw. "Well, Firepaw-kun, I suppose you came to get your wound checked on. Saves me the trouble of tracking you down, that's for sure."

Firepaw was silent, even as he sat down and felt Spottedleaf's skilled fingers reapplying a healing bind to the injury. He watched the gentle rise and fall of Ravenpaw's chest as he slept fitfully, every once in a while emitting a small groan. The little feather bobble hanging from his ear was tawny brown, reminding Firepaw of a certain, rather annoying bird.

"There." Spottedleaf smiled, helping Firepaw put his shirt back on. "You'll need to be checked on regularly, but since I doubt you'll listen to me, there's no reason to tell you that. I'll just have to hunt you down, I guess." She laughed quietly, and even Firepaw gave the smallest hint of a smile.

Suddenly, Spottedleaf's ears pricked, and her tail stiffened. She smiled sadly, looking out the small, blocky window to the right of the door. "Bluestar's going to announce the new Deputy. Strange, it's not get Moonhigh. Just past sunset, in fact. Oh well, we'd best be going." The dark-haired girl opened the door and walked out into the night, Firepaw following right behind her.

Bluestar stood atop the Highrock, her normally open and laughing face stern, her blue hair catching the light of the moon. Every line, every crevice of her face was hard and powerful, and Firepaw saw for the first time the reason she was leader. The pure power her prescence radiated, the reverence all around her felt, it was truly something to behold.

Heads were bowed in sorrowful rememberance, but they raised as they heard the soft sound of their leader's footsteps. Still-steaming pots of stew were set down on a wide cloth as they stood, eyes cast upwards to the night sky where their beloved deputy would walk.

"The time has come." Bluestar stated. It was not said particularly loudly, but it echoed and resounded like a gunshot. "I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice." All were quiet as tension crackled in the air.

Firepaw's emerald eyes flickered to the massive warrior, Tigerclaw, where he stood several feet from the Highrock. His amber eyes were cold, and the slightest hint of a smirk laced his lips. He thinks he'll be the new deputy, Firepaw realized, frowning. The warrior certainly appeared powerful, but something about him seemed terribly dangerous to the former kittypet.

"Lionheart will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."

One could not begin to explain the disbelief, the utter fury that crossed Tigerclaw's stony face, but was replaced imediately into a mask of indifference. Firepaw's shocked gaze wavered, and from that moment on, he would always remembered that first spark of doubt he'd felt about the brown-haired warrior.

"Lionheart! Lionheart! Lionheart!" The chant rose like a drumbeat, steady and powerful as the Clan welcomed their new deputy, blessed by the very spirit of Redtail and the warriors of the skies. Lionheart himself appeared amazed, Graypaw leaping up and down with joy at his side.

"He's a good, wise, powerful warrior." Spottedleaf said behind Firepaw, quietly so as not to startle him. "Bluestar made an excellent choice." Firepaw, however, could not help noticing that her eyes were trained on Tigerclaw, a hint of distrust in their pale amber depths. Uneasiness wove its icy fingers around his heart, but he was distracted as Graypaw placed one deeply tanned hand on his good shoulder.

"Isn't this great?" The gray-haired boy grinned, pumping his fist in the air. "My mentor, the deputy! Yeah, Lionheart-taichou! With him as deputy, you're gonna have no problem here, Firepaw."

Firepaw smiled after a long moment, his eyes softening. "Yeah," power seemed to work its way into his being as he looked up at the star-studded night sky. "I guess so."


So, we're seeing the first hints of FirexSpotted here. Which isn't going to last long. XD *is shot*

I'm so mean. Sorry.

By the way, if you like this story, check out my new one titled 'Two Points for Honesty'! It's AU as well, focusing on the human versions of Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight. x3 So, while you're waiting for a new update of this one, I'll probably put up new chapters of that one. Yay!

Mah reviewers aaaaare: Superleigh50, and Mothstar. Tank chu!

By the way, I'm sorry for the late update. I was having some dumb problem where my computer wouldn't let me post any new chapters or anything. Grr.

As you all know, reviews make the world go 'round. Well, my world, at least. COME, MY MINIONS, AND HELP ME DOMINATE THE FANDOM. MWAHAHAHAHA.

*is shot again*