A/N: So… I got my wisdom tooth taken out XD Reginald is gone now and it is not fun having to live off of ice cream and yogurts and such (especially when you're lactose intolerant :) so much fun). Just, don't get wisdom teeth, guys. Es no fun. Finals are coming up soon, so that's also fun. Life's so fun guys.
Anyway, about that birth, am I right? Things are surprisingly looking up for our Blazeclan friends. Hmm…
Thanks to Lupis Moon for following and adding this story as a favorite!
Reviews
Hissing Mist- Yee, Flarekitty's gonna get a Servant. Such excitement :). In fact, Redstar has not been in the Low Rank's Nursery since Sooty was born. I really had no other excuse to include that WindxRain moment beside me having a lot of (gay) feelings that day XD. I have no apologies. Hmm, not really. If "Rainkit'' ever comes back, then maybe she'd get her own nickname, but until then, she's just raindrop.
Songmistle (Guest)- Yo, that chocolate waffle pancake mix sounds dope, I'd definitely eat that. (I'm more of a pancake person, but I love waffles too.) Gotta get some undetected plot twists in there every now and then lol. Well, a lower rank than Commoner is Servant, so technically they are going down a rank. Willowflame is definitely Team Flarepaw. I… want to say I'm on it too, but with everything I've put her through, I don't know if I deserve to be on it XD. Oof, I hate terrible teachers, but most teachers like that have always liked me for some reason (because I always do my work on-time or early, I don't strive to be a teacher's pet, I just like getting my work done as fast as possible so I have more time to write). That… That is a lot of books haha. I struggled in the past writing three at a time, and even now, I can only write three projects at a time. I've made myself perpetually scatterbrained and I don't know whether to be impressed with that or terrified of myself. Those ideas sound cool though, good luck with them! That's an interesting question; I'd have to say the wackiest pairing (and also what your definition of wacky would be) would probably be… Hmm. I don't know why my mind jumped immediately to Leafstar and Ignis- but I guess that's my answer XD. Gotta love my queer couples, Wind and Rain were the first I've ever written and I'm excited to do more. Mr. Redstar, lol. He sends his sincerest apologies. Tomatoes are fruits, still blows my mind (still not a fan lol). Second review: Yeah, no- Redstar did not want to kill the second kit. But he had no choice.
Pineshadow (Guest)- Drowning in all the happiness, I'm just in desperate need of fluff and cuddles at times. (Even sad cuddles, apparently.) Why I would never?! I am offended you'd think I'll kill my girls (I would, I totally would, none of my characters are safe XD). Here's hoping Rain actually opens up about her problems instead of letting them fester. You say a couple, I say… a while XD. We'll see, we'll see, but it is very soon. She's got a soft spot for kits apparently. Annoying Wildfire is always a bonus. I have (and they are both she-cats)! They'll be introduced in this chapter. Gotta have a warm and fuzzy chapter before things go bad again. Pastries are nice- but I'm so picky that I don't even think I'd like whatever I make lol.
jassheikhsfa- It is! I really love the story and the art and that song is just perfect. Not a fan of ketchup, so I'd have to take your word for that lol. I mean… I like to put ranch on spaghetti. Is that weird? My family says it's weird, but the way I see it, it's not much different than ranch with pizza so oh well.
Someone (Guest)- Wildfire is a petty boi lol. Nobody died! Whoo! I gotta give them some sort of break every now and then, come on. I can be nice for once XD. He's a healthy mix of both haha. Redstar was not in any position (rank-wise and emotionally) to spare the kit by himself, unfortunately. He would not have enjoyed it one bit, but he still would have done it. Oh no need to worry, Flarekitty's gonna be like the best big sister to the kits. Yes, the Servant is under her protection and she has not permitted any of the High Ranks to touch them. Nice little theory. Though, it is likely the story will be over by that time. No, I don't have a sequel planned for this story, but it is nice to think about :). Ah, right, unofficial arc. At first, I was just gonna have their reunion and then have the official arc begin a few chapters later, but my hand slipped and I guess the arc has started early XD. I actually didn't know that it was officially written with "clan" as an uppercase (never read the books). I have always written it lower case in all of my stories, whoops. Too lazy to change it now. They are technically mates as well as soulmates, they've just never had an official announcement or whatever (they're the same age as Flarekitty and Sootboi technically). I'm no psychologist either but I think you're completely right and that is purposeful. She should confide in her mate… but she's not gonna. Maybe not yet, or maybe not ever and it'll be too late. We'll see. I'm no chef either, I can make boiled eggs and Nutella sandwiches and Mayo chicken from a can- that's about it XD. I strongly dislike dark chocolate too, so I feel ya. That… actually sounds like a really good dish, what the heck. Now I want some, thanks. Ooh, that's a fun question. Just to tamper it down, I'll make it so only living cats can be paired up. I'd say… Leafstar (duh) and Phantom (if we're going "hero" and "villain"). Hero and hero pair would be Leafstar with Whiteshadow (just cause they know each other so well and have fought together before). Villain-Villain would be Phantom and Ignis. Almost to one mil! The road continues. Far was right. Hope you enjoy!
KyubiMaster9- You made me spit out my water, congratulations XD. I would do that, Huh? Nah, I got the sledgehammer ready though, so put on a helmet for when I decide to drop it lol. I don't experiment with food cause I'm already a super picky eater. Burnt house and indigestion are no fun.
reading at 3am is normal- Lucky for me, I only happened to have one wisdom tooth. (Adios Reginald, you will not be missed.) The anesthesia felt so real because it just felt like I blinked and the surgery I was done I was like- sweet! And I almost fell flat on my face when getting up from the chair, that was fun. I think it went well, I can't tell lol. I'm not in pain though so I'll take that as a good sign. Well, it's easy to write so consistently and so quickly and on-time because I love doing this :) And I love you guys! I can't let you down. I have no regrets XD I was in desperate need of something like that and Windy and I had a lot of feelings. I totally would. No one is safe, not even the kits. That would definitely not happen in this world unless by extreme circumstance- a Royal would never willingly raise a Commoner kit (unless they're like Willowflame or Flarekitty or those that aren't as close-minded). Well, Redstar would have to first get Leafstar and Cloudstar to agree on striking these rules. While Leafy would be down, Cloud would most definitely be not. Tradition is a powerful controller and there are many High Ranks that refuse to change their ways (and Low Ranks that are too scared to try and make a difference). If Redstar decides to do this, then there would no doubt be war- not only between Stormclan and Blazeclan, but also internally within Blazeclan cause you got those like Wildfire in the mix. So, repercussion: a lotta unnecessary death and chaos. See, I'm not the healthiest person in the world, sadly, so I've only recently tried eating healthier/normal breakfast foods (I would normally just eat leftovers). But that does sound quite tasty. Hope you enjoy!
Rainbow Badge (Guest)- Blessed thee for these reviews XD They make dealing with my wisdom teeth pain significantly easier. Can confirm in the irl world, Redstar would be a Pokemon fan. (And Cinderfrost would kill him for doing that lol.) LOL, that would be something Shadepaw and Sootblaze do just to mess with everyone XD. If they were ever actual friends, there would be so much chaos in the clans. (Shadepaw is 100% a dudebro kind of guy.) If Rosestar was canon, there would be a story with no conflict honestly XD. Your little crack stories are the best thing I've ever read, thanks for that. Wind-Rain will always be my favorite and I feel so bad for making them suffer. But yes, you did sum it up pretty well. So much concern all around. XD Why, yes she did just adopt a kid haha. They just unintentionally (accidentally on purpose) adopted children, lol. These kids are gonna be the luckiest in the world. They don't even know it yet. Found family is and will forever be my absolute favorite trope in every form of media/literature/whatever and everyone can fight me on that. (Rudolph's mom sounds perfect XD.) With a name Cabbage Leaf, I would assume there to be some sort of cabbage in it or else I'd feel cheated and lied to. Spicy cabbage with ice cream sounds like a recipe for incredible stomach pain (for me at least; lactose intolerant and have ruined my stomach with spicy food. And to combine them? I'd die). I was in a song-theme mood that week apparently lol, especially coming off of one of my other projects that also had something similar in it with that. I just like that imagery, leave me alone XD (I think I prefer it more than color-theme things.) I just love music in general and it sucks I don't incorporate it as often. Ever since I put it in canon that Wind can sing (and sing good) and that Rain taught her a lullaby, I was always scouring for some nice lullaby music that could fit. And that one from Purple Hyacinth is perfect. It's always nice to have characters or pairs of characters that reflect to another, whether in the same way or the complete opposite way. Ah yes, the infamous Windpaw headbutt. That's gonna go down in the history books. Google Docs is where I write everything I ever do... which is probably not the best option since they can probably get hacked into and deleted and stuff so I should probably save some stuff to my computer or something but... Meh, too lazy. The face I made when you told me to consider Gingerpaw and Rowanpaw XD Immediately shoot that down lol.
Thanks to everybody who reviewed!
Let's get started!
…
Blazeclan
…
"You said you wanted to make a difference, and you can't do that if you just sit on the sidelines expecting everything to magically work itself out, Flarepaw. Go!"
It was with the greatest relief that Whiteshadow's little idea actually worked, and Flarepaw really needed to find some way to repay him later. Because it worked, and now not only did the newborn kit get to actually live, but the Commoners didn't need to deal with another loss so soon after the last.
(The fact that it upset Wildfire, the fact that she essentially beat him for once, was only secondary and later she would feel smug about it.)
For now, she sat within the Grand Royal's den for what felt like the first time ever. It was smaller than her own den, to her surprise; a nice and cozy little structure designed only for one individual to reside in. Perhaps that's why it was smaller, the dens for the Grand Royal apprentices were typically meant to hold two or even three at a time.
Despite its apparent comfort, it felt rather suffocating. The air tasted stale and even Redstar's scent of ginger and peaches and frosted winds seemed to be withering away with every one of her breaths. It was… rather sad, now that she thought about it, but she tried not to focus on that.
Instead, she shifted in her seat in front of the Grand Royal, respectfully keeping her eyes on the ground instead of meeting his head-on, and letting everything that happened settle deep into her mind.
Whiteshadow was right.
Flarepaw had officially made her first stand for the Commoners and the Low Ranks. A public display instead of her casual minglings with them that many of the High Ranks still thought she did because she felt sorry for them. There were a few suspicious, no doubt, but now…
Now, she left no room for doubt.
Quite frankly, it made her nervous, but there was no backing out now. There was only one direction she could take and that was forward.
Forward to a future that was so much better than now. For everyone.
(It looked so far away, but the first step was always the hardest and she had taken the plunge. Courtesy of Whiteshadow's encouragements, of course.)
"I'm sure you are aware of most of the rules in regards to having a Servant," Redstar spoke before pausing, a frown ticking across his features before he sighed, disappointed and expectant, "Unless your father never discussed them with you like he was supposed to."
All Wildfire ever taught her was how to be quiet and grit her teeth when she was in pain.
"No, Grand Royal. Everything I learned I picked up from others," she answered, glancing partially over her shoulder and back to him. A small smile pulled at her lips, "Specifically from observing you with your Servant."
"Patchstorm is more a tentative friend to me," Redstar huffed a quiet chuckle, looking over Flarepaw's shoulder to the entrance of the den and back again, a seed of sorrow burying deep within his soul. "I can't say if he sees me the way I see him, unfortunately. But anywho, there are just a few standard rules to keep in mind. You have essentially free rein to do whatever you wish to your Servant, whatever you deem fit. They belong to you. Because they are only a newborn, you won't get to do much until after one moon. However you deal with them is up to you, though it's best to treat them how you would treat yourself. They are still a living cat, regardless of their rank, and it's important not to forget that."
"Life would be so much better if everyone just followed that last line much more extensively," she scoffed, boldly meeting the leader's eyes with a slight raise of her brow, her heart jumping to her throat nervously, "Don't you agree?"
Redstar remained quiet at that, a flash of surprise and confliction sparking in the muted sunset. Flarepaw… didn't quite like looking at his eyes. The shade of them and the dull expressions reminded her too much of a certain Commoner. It unnerved her, curiosity tingling in the back of her mind, but she pushed it away and took in a deep breath before glancing back down.
The silence stretched between them and Flarepaw almost regretted saying that. It was too late to take the words back, and though a part of her really wanted to take them back, the larger part let them linger. Let them fester- and she didn't know whether they were a toxic cloud there to taint the perfect world of the High Ranks, or if they were the cure for the poison everyone drank so willingly.
Two halves of her, one shaped and molded and beaten by Wildfire's claws to be the perfect daughter in his perfect world- the other raised and encouraged and given life by Willowflame's paws to be only the best version of herself that Flarepaw could be. She didn't have to be perfect, she just had to be her.
Both riddled with expectations, both trying to walk down two separate paths that tore her apart at the seams.
In the space they left behind, a third all her own.
She didn't quite know who this third one would be, could be, but she was excited to find out.
"It has come to my attention recently that you've been… socializing with the Commoners," Redstar said abruptly, and when she looked back at his unsettlingly familiar gaze, she felt the fur along her spine slowly begin to rise. Flarepaw leaned back a little, kneading the ground with her paws and preparing herself for the worse. "I won't tell you to stop, it's no place of mine. Just know that others are starting to… talk."
"That's the only thing they know how to do," Flarepaw responded, sitting straighter and refusing to back down. Anxiety and fear perched on her shoulders with the claws of falcons and she wondered if they would be enough to take her far away from here. "And this time, I want them to talk. I wait to see just how long it takes for them to get the courage to approach me about it. I want to know how long it'll take before they finally get it."
"You play a dangerous game, Grand Royal Flarepaw," Redstar narrowed his eyes, a warning hidden between his words like a second language. She understood, the concealed caution seeping deep into her mind, and as she closed her eyes briefly, she swore she could see a manifested monster staring back at her.
She chuckled bitterly. "That seems like the only thing I know how to do."
Her life was built on twisted games where the only outcome was her compliance and the only winner was Wildfire. There were many players in each, but they were the main ones.
"I ask again," Redstar's features softened, concern bleeding into his posture, the light of worry brightening the sunset and giving it a sliver of life. He looked pained, the muscles in his jaw tightening. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
He wasn't just talking about having a Servant.
Are you sure you want to play this game?
Are you sure you're prepared to face the consequences of standing against tradition?
Flarepaw had asked herself the same questions many times. Had heard variations, however harsh, from Wildfire himself.
(Perhaps in his own, horrible way, Wildfire was trying to save her from doing something irreparable.)
"My mother taught me to be kind to others. To help them when they needed help," Flarepaw spoke after a moment of contemplation, her eyes going distant and a wistful smile appearing on her face. "I'm going to do what's right. No matter what."
Even if it kills me.
She met his eyes once more before speaking nothing but the truth, "I'm sure."
The Grand Royal took in an unsteady breath, his eyes falling shut and his shoulders losing their stiffness. Defeated. Worried. When he looked back at her, she couldn't tell if he was happy for her or already considering her dead. (She swore she could see just the slightest sliver of what could only be envy.)
"Very well," Redstar nodded, leaning back and sitting straight once more, professional as ever. "You are allowed to choose which kit will be yours. I recommend you go and do it now."
Before the mother gets too attached to both.
In a world where ranks weren't a thing and Servants didn't exist, Flarepaw wondered what those cats would think hearing about all the rules of this time.
She thinks they would be horrified.
"Thank you, Grand Royal," Flarepaw bowed her head one final time before standing up, backing away a step or two before turning around and heading straight for the entrance of the den. There was more she wanted to say, she didn't know when she'd ever get the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with Redstar without eavesdroppers again, but that was a battle for a different day.
She didn't want to get cocky from her one victory and end up biting off more than she could handle today. One day at a time. One victory at a time. There were many problems she had to face. It was rather overwhelming, but as long as she tackled each of them individually, then it was feasible.
"Flarepaw."
She paused at the entrance of the den, glancing over her shoulder and meeting golden-yellow across the distance. Redstar appeared rather conflicted with something, not exactly looking at her but just in her general direction. (She wondered what ghost or memories he was seeing, how deep down those ghosts or memories were trying to take him into the depths of his own mind.)
Alas, his gaze focused on her, and he smiled.
"I agree." His head tilted back and he blew out a slow sigh that took with it a majority of his demons and she wondered just how long he had wanted to say this and hadn't been allowed to. Had been too afraid to. "Life would be so much better."
That, too, felt like a victory that she hadn't been expecting.
She'd take it though.
Flarepaw gave a nod that he didn't see before slipping out of the den and into the night air. Camp was mostly empty now, with most everyone calling for an early rest after the stressful situation moments ago. That made her breathe easier.
She didn't think she was quite ready to discuss her decisions with the High Ranks quite yet.
...Well, most High Ranks…
"That was a bold move of you."
"Son of a- Gingerpaw," Flarepaw jumped, whirling to her side and just barely refraining from unsheathing her claws. She hadn't been expecting anyone to be waiting for her outside of the den, and there, off to the side, her last remaining rival sat casually, staring up at the sky with a peaceful expression. "Don't scare me like that."
"It's not often I get to do it, let me have my fun."
"Why are you… Were you listening?" her eyes narrowed accusingly, and she hated how the beginnings of what could only be shame or embarrassment began to lick up her spine before she could stamp it down. No, there was nothing to be ashamed of. She was determined to make a difference and she could not back down from it. (The part raised by Wildfire really needed to up and die right about now.) "I'm pretty sure that's against the rules."
"No, I wasn't listening," Gingerpaw sighed heavily, so casually a lesser cat would think he was just brushing the matter aside.
"Oh, so you just decided to meditate here of all places while I was in there. That makes sense."
"Can you stop trying to sidetrack me? I wanted to talk to you but if you're going to be this annoying…"
"So I'm the bad guy. I wasn't the one eavesdropping."
"I wasn't- Okay," Gingerpaw huffed before getting to his paws, a curl of annoyance to his lips as he scowled in her direction. "Clearly you've been getting lessons from Emberpaw on how to annoy me. Come find me when you're mature enough to have a conversation."
Flarepaw couldn't stop herself from laughing, reaching over to bump his shoulder with her paw and shaking her head. It wasn't often she got to mess with her rival like this, considering everything that goes on and the images they had to uphold individually and with each other. It was nice though.
(Who knew she could ever be friends with her rival?)
"You just make it too easy sometimes," she snickered once before sobering up, "What is it? I have to go and pick one of the newborns to be my Servant."
"Right, right," Gingerpaw nodded, looking off in the direction of the Commoner's Nursery and back to her again. Despite saying he wanted to talk, he didn't speak at all, simply regarding her with a contemplative expression. The silence became uncomfortable and she shuffled the weight on her paws.
"What's with that look?"
"I'm just trying to figure out your angle here," the tom's pale yellow eyes examined her carefully and she squirmed beneath them. "What ploy you're trying to put into place. Taking a Commoner Servant to keep the other kit alive… It makes quite a statement."
"What kind of statement?"
"Either you are trying to prove that you are just like the other High Ranks by taking a Servant," his eyes finally met hers and she felt her heart stutter nervously in her chest, "Or you are trying to prove that you are not anything like them by saving a Commoner kit. I'm attempting to figure out which one."
"Well I can answer that for you," Flarepaw stood taller, unflinching, despite how much she wanted to look away from his eyes, "it's certainly not the first one."
"Ah." The tom nodded slowly, turning his gaze back to the sky and letting out a slow-rolling sigh that misted in the cold air. "I see now."
"Gingerpaw," Flarepaw began before pausing, her ears flicking back uncomfortably, and she closed her eyes to see the warning once more. She knew she needed allies, needed help, just like Sagepaw said. Fighting the system was not a battle she could do on her own, and the more she had on her side, the more likely they'd win. But to recruit her rival… "I want things to be different. Better. Not just for us, but for everyone. That includes the Commoners and every other Low Rank, and I… I'm going to do something about it."
She motioned in the vague direction of the Nursery, her eyes narrowed and stance firm. "Starting with this."
"You know the clan won't condone that," Gingerpaw murmured without looking at her, his eyes falling shut peacefully. "It would never."
"Quite frankly, I've stopped caring about what the clan would or would not condone. I'm aware… I'm aware that what I'm doing or going to do is breaking rank. But that's what I want," she sucked in a sharp breath, "to break the ranks. To create a world that isn't so divided and where everyone can and will be treated as equal. Because we are one clan, together, and we've never acted like it."
Gingerpaw didn't say anything, the perfect picture of stillness as he welcomed the slow-moving breeze of the frosty air. She liked to think he learned to appreciate this kind of weather more because of her. He used to detest it as much as everyone else. His shoulders rose and fell with his even breaths, breaths that puffed a plume of mist by his muzzle each time.
"You know," he began quietly, "I didn't believe Emberpaw when she said you were friends with a Commoner."
"She told you that?"
"We tell each other everything," he huffed quietly, a sad downward pull to his lips. "Even if it hurts."
Flarepaw wondered just how much the two hurt each other with the truth. Just how much they ripped into each other's souls and yet still loved each other as siblings should.
(She didn't know if she ever had that with Flamepaw. She was never allowed to tell him everything… And honestly, she didn't know if she would have ever wanted to.)
"So, what does this mean about you and me?" Gingerpaw curled his tail around his paws to conceal some warmth, his head lowering back down but his eyes remaining closed. "About the running?"
"Honestly…" Flarepaw breathed out, hesitating for a moment longer before committing, "I don't know anymore if I want to be the Grand Royal."
"Wouldn't you be able to change more things as a leader?"
"I highly doubt that," she chuckled sadly, turning a silver gaze to the entrance of the Grand Royal's den, her ears drooping. "I think I'd be even more chained than I am now."
Redstar had been about to kill a newborn kit despite how much he clearly didn't want to- all because it was mandated by the very laws she wished to destroy. All because his image as a High Rank would always, whether subconsciously or purposefully, always be his top priority.
Not only did she have to learn to change the mind of her own clan, but also of the other clans as well. Altering any sort of rule to the clan system was only allowed if it was universally accepted by all three.
(And with those like Cherrypaw and Bramblepaw as the potential leaders of Forestclan, she didn't think her chances of convincing either of them was likely.
And Windpaw already didn't like her and probably would never like her. Bluepaw was her only hope, and yet even then, she didn't know his opinions of the Low Ranks well enough to automatically assume he would side with her.)
"I suppose that makes sense," the ginger-furred tom mumbled, more to himself than to her, and when he opened his eyes, pale yellow scanned the empty camp slowly. Imagining what it would be like. "Does that mean you'll quit? Fail on purpose?"
"I don't know, I don't know- I…" Flarepaw's entire body sagged with her next breath, the weight of the world upon her shoulders and she would really like for the twin falcons of anxiety and fear to carry her far, far away from here. "I haven't thought about it. I have other things on my mind."
"You should be thinking about it. As you said, the assessment is coming up quickly," her rival took in a slow breath in that way he always does to calm himself without showing everyone he was nervous. "One moon."
"One moon," she repeated and felt anxiety's claws dig even deeper into her, her next breath stuttering upon release. To think it was almost over, after everything that's happened up until now.
It didn't feel real.
"For what it's worth," his eyes turned back to her and his lips twitched into a hidden smile, "I do hope you give it your all regardless. If I am to beat you, I want it to be fair. Don't I deserve that much as your rival? Give me a challenge to remember."
"Since you asked so nicely," she smiled teasingly at him, stepping closer to bump their shoulders together and he hardly moved, letting out a soft laugh. Her eyes found their way to the sky and twinkling stars, wondering which of them were Willowflame and Flamepaw. "I know I'm doing the right thing."
"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"
"Mostly you," Flarepaw looked back at him with a one-shoulder shrug, "Though, I'm not expecting you to jump on board with my crazy idea for the future."
"Good. It's not nice to assume," Gingerpaw spoke sternly, as usual, showing no signs of giving in. "You've given me a lot to think about, and admittedly, I admire your tenacity. I don't think I'd ever be able to decide to change the direction I walk so suddenly."
"It's not so sudden," she shook her head, murmuring beneath her breath, "It's been a long time coming, but I'm here now. And I'm going to make it right."
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, not turning in his direction as she added in a quiet, timid voice, "I know I'm going to have to fight a lot of battles. I just hope that one of them doesn't end up being you."
"Hmm. Because you know I'd win."
"Because you're my friend," she didn't carry the tease he threw at her, keeping a serious tone through it all. "I don't want to have to fight you or Emberpaw or Shadepaw or Rowanpaw or anyone else… That's why I'm hoping you'd be on my side, but as I said, I can't expect you to be and the choice is yours. I won't force you. Just know that if it does come down to it, I will do what I must and I will not hold back."
"Are we always destined to be in opposition?" he subtly leaned against her side and Flarepaw nearly wanted to turn and embrace him fully, but Gingerpaw didn't like hugs and she didn't know if she'd be able to bring herself to. "Always rivals?"
"I hope not," she closed her eyes as if in pain, wincing, "That's a sad fate."
"Aye," he hummed his silent agreement, nodding faintly and letting the silence stretch for a few beats before adding, "I suppose time will tell."
"You really won't turn me into the rest of the clan for saying all of this?" Flarepaw looked partly in his direction, raising a brow. "For spreading my breaking rank propaganda."
He snorted in amusement and she took that as a victory too.
"And lose out on beating you in the final assessment?" Gingerpaw rolled his eyes before standing, shaking out his pelt and turning to look at her directly. "Nonsense."
She smiled and didn't know why she felt like crying, relief washing over her at the surety that he won't spew his mouth to the others. One word with the other High Ranks and they'd surely be asking for her execution eventually. Gingerpaw cleared his throat before giving a bow of his head, taking a step to leave and pausing once more, turning in her direction but not exactly looking at her.
"I care for you, Flarepaw. Partially because I suppose you're likable-"
"I think that's the greatest compliment you've ever given me."
Gingerpaw rolled his eyes, letting out a small huff of laughter before looking back at her, his features softening as he shuffled his paws. "And partially because… I promised I'd watch over you."
"Promised?" Flarepaw's brows furrowed, "Promised who?"
Her rival remained quiet for a moment longer, turning his eyes away again and whispering to the open air. "Flamepaw. He… Sometime before the incident, he made me promise I'd watch over you if anything happened to him."
Pale yellow sought the stars once more as he whispered in a sorrowful tone, "I had hoped I wouldn't have to keep it- because then he'd still be around."
Flarepaw forgot how to breathe. The air squeezed painfully from her lungs and she choked on her gasp, her heart clenching beneath the familiar claws of grief and she had nearly forgotten about that old friend.
Flamepaw…
Of course.
He would do something like that.
It made her heart ache much like it always did when remembering him; but curiously enough, it wasn't so crippling. It hurt, yes, but it was tolerable.
Perhaps she had grown used to it… Or perhaps, she had grown strong enough to move past it.
"Thank you," she said, and it felt like she was saying it both to Gingerpaw and to Flamepaw. A teary, grateful smile pulled at her lips. "For everything."
Gingerpaw regarded her with perhaps the softest look she had ever known him to give before he bowed his head once more, turning away to go to his den. Over his shoulder, he said, "Don't mention it."
Flarepaw watched him go, feeling infinitely lighter, and that definitely went a whole lot better than she had been anticipating.
Sure, he didn't say that he would join her side in this- but he also didn't explicitly say he would be against her either.
Ever neutral that tom was.
She took in a deep breath, clearing her throat and preparing herself before finally turning to make her way to the Nursery at last. Whiteshadow and Sagepaw were still hanging out around the entrance, discussing quietly to themselves, and she could even see Hollypaw sitting amongst them as well.
The Medicine Cat apprentice was the first to notice her approach, dark amber eyes flicking over to her and the black-furred she-cat raised her head a little higher.
"If it isn't the fireball of the hour."
"I already told you not to call me that," Flarepaw rolled her eyes playfully, her lips twitching with amusement as she walked closer.
"And yet, here we are," Hollypaw smiled in return and for a moment, Flarepaw didn't know why that startled her so much before it caught up to her.
Ever since Thornblaze and Mousepaw and her apparent failure to be there for Sootblaze like she had promised she would be, the two had gone right back to ignoring each other completely. Well, Hollypaw did, and Flarepaw had been much too cowardly to try and approach her first, frightened that she had done something she could never fix.
She didn't know if doing this put her immediately back in the snarky she-cat's good graces, but it was a start.
It was a start.
She was about to say something in response before Sagepaw all but tackled her into a fierce embrace. She squeaked, completely unprepared for it, but she certainly didn't try to fight it and instead let out a laugh as he swayed them to-and-fro, purring into the top of her head.
When he pulled away, he was looking at her with such a delighted expression.
"What was that for?" Flarepaw huffed, shaking out her pelt from where he had messed it up and rolling her shoulders because he had been quite heavy.
"I'm so proud of you," her Noble brother purred, his smile growing and his head shaking in disbelief, "You actually did it."
"Yeah…" she breathed, turning her eyes to Whiteshadow then. The tom was sitting as casual as ever, regarding them all with a peaceful (and sentimental) expression. "I guess I did."
Whiteshadow winked at her, "One step closer to world domination."
"Okay, let's not get crazy now," she chuckled, "it was just one thing. There's still… a lot more."
"It wasn't just one thing," Sagepaw shook his head, nodding to the entrance of the den. "Not to them. To them, it was everything."
That both excited her and scared her, honestly.
"What are you all doing out here?" she redirected the conversation, her eyes consistently shifting to the entrance of the den and back again. "Don't you want to meet the new little bundles of joy?"
"We were waiting for you, but I also think it's getting late. I'd probably visit tomorrow myself," Sagepaw shrugged and stepped closer again, bumping his muzzle to the top of her head and ruffling her fur until she pulled away with the beginnings of a scowl. "I just wanted to tell you I was proud of you."
"And because you forbade the High Ranks from going inside," Whiteshadow teased with a smirk, nodding his approval. "Nice touch."
"You two are exempt to that rule."
"Wow, thanks, I'm just here I guess," Hollypaw cut in with a grumble and Flarepaw snorted and shot her a look.
"You're a Medicine Cat. There's nothing I can say or do to stop you from visiting them."
"Not like I'd listen to you anyway," the she-cat gave a sly wink before standing up from her place, stretching lightly and taking in a deep breath of the frosty air. She sent a final look toward the Nursery, a soft smile to her lips before she looked back to Flarepaw. "It's probably time for me to get some rest. You… did good today, Flarepaw. I'd hug you but then you'd start to think I like you and we can't have that."
"Now that would be a travesty," Flarepaw played along, the smile on her face hurting her cheeks but she didn't care. It was surprising just how much she missed her conversations (and mild arguments) with the other she-cat. One more victory, one more victory.
Perhaps Hollypaw didn't forgive her completely, but at the very least, this was the start of something. Flarepaw would take anything good at this point.
With that, Sagepaw and Hollypaw bid their goodbyes, her brother toppling on her in another fierce hug and the Medicine Cat apprentice subtly bumping their shoulders together before moving on to their respective dens. Whiteshadow watched them idly, a pleased smile to his lips that only grew when she turned to look at him.
"Stars, I missed this," he mumbled with a breathy laugh, his eyes closing as he let the cold winds blow by. "I'm so glad to be back."
"That makes two of us," she purred, stepping closer to bump her head against his shoulder, taking half a step in the direction to enter the den. "You sure you don't want to come in?"
"Nah, there's so many in there already. It'll get suffocating," Whiteshadow stood up, stretching languidly and letting out a dramatic groan all the while, his jaw splitting in a wide yawn. "I think I'm going to go find a branch to sleep on."
"Why not the den?"
"And deal with all the gossip and potential Wildfire murdering me in my sleep?" he gave her a deadpan look, shaking his head and tutting, "I think I'll pass on that. The forest is much more peaceful."
"Okay, but if you ever need a warm place, my den is there."
"You are too kind sometimes."
"Sometimes?"
"Sometimes," Whiteshadow confirmed, stepping closer to brush his muzzle against the top of her head, whispering into her ears, "I meant what I said earlier, I got your back. You know where to find me."
"On a branch in the middle of the forest."
"Just shout my name, I'll be there eventually."
"That's not very comforting."
The lead Royal gave a theatrical shrug before turning, sauntering off toward the entrance of camp, and part of Flarepaw felt like convincing him harder to go to her den instead of hiding out in the middle of the forest. She didn't think he'd just up and leave, but…
He had been doing that ever since he got back. Sleeping out in the middle of the forest instead of at camp.
She thinks part of it had to do with him finding comfort in it. Confirmation that this was real and he wasn't trapped back in the City because of the cold winds and the rustling branches.
The other part was his paranoia, ever concerned and convinced that there were still others from the City hunting him. Whiteshadow, annoyingly selfless that one was, did not want to bring that trouble directly to the heart of camp with everyone else, and so, he'd rather face it alone.
It worried her- and it was just another battle she'd have to fight soon.
Soon, but not now, because now she thinks her luck for the day has run out with all of the victories she's had that she didn't want to push it.
Flarepaw remained there even long after Whiteshadow was gone. (And yes, she was also worried about the fact Wildfire was still out there as well and was begging her ancestors that nothing would happen in the meantime.)
After more than a few deep breaths of preparation, she decided that she was now putting off going inside just a little longer than she initially thought she would. Shaking out her nerves, she faced the entrance once more, hesitated a moment even longer, before swallowing thickly and finally making the trek inside.
A small, straight tunnel led the way into the main area of the den where she could hear more than a few voices talking in hushed whispers, purrs filling the air all around, and it was nearly enough to make her stop even more because she didn't want to ruin the mood with her presence.
Even so, she committed, holding her breath as she came closer and closer and was able to see Ravenflight's figure first sitting off to one side of the den, watching over them all.
Dark green eyes swiftly darted to her, defensive and alert as ever, and Flarepaw relaxed when the black-furred she-cat did as well. (To her surprise. Ravenflight wasn't her biggest fan yet.)
"Look who decided to finally show their face around here," the Commoner spoke with a surprising purr in her voice, the first smile Flarepaw had ever seen on her poking at the edge of her lips. "Took you long enough, Grand Royal."
Her rank was said teasingly, less of a barbed insult and more of a casual nickname and Flarepaw thought that- coming from Ravenflight at least- was a huge step in the right direction for once. (Little victories all around.)
Instantly, all eyes turned in her direction, Sootblaze's gaze the one she gravitated to from where he sat at Feathersong's back. Joy that she hadn't seen in a while burned to life within the sunset and Flarepaw felt like she could finally breathe again. She had missed that look more than she'd like to admit.
Silence filled the room and she couldn't quite tell if it was peaceful or stifling. She paused a tail-length or two away from the nest, Feathersong curled within it with her two newborns snoozing away by her belly, the rest of the Commoners gathered in a semi-circle around her at her back.
She swallowed thickly, and perhaps it was her nerves that made it so impossible to identify the look in the Queen's tired, dark blue eyes. Feathersong examined her just as much as Flarepaw did to her.
"Umm," she began, grimaced, and tried again, "I'm… sure you've heard the news?"
"You're taking one of them as your Servant," Feathersong responded in a tight voice and Flarepaw's ears flattened, glancing away and the words spilled free from her lips without her permission.
"I'm sorry! I-I should've asked you if it was okay and, and I don't want to make it seem like I'm disrespecting you or your kits. I'm sorry, I just… I just wanted to help and this was the only way I knew how with the limited time that was given to me, and… and I'm making you cry," Flarepaw winced, backing up a step and struggling to keep her own tears from falling. Of all the things, her biggest fear would be that doing this would have the reverse reaction of what she intended. That this would make it seem like she was just like the others and all of the trust and friendships she had built with the Commoners would all go away. "I'm sorry."
Indeed, Feathersong was starting to cry, shaking her head and biting her lip as she lowered her chin to her chest. Her shoulders began to shiver and Sootblaze gently laid his tail along her flank, a gentle purr within his chest, and he didn't look as worried as Flarepaw felt for the tears.
"You're apologizing, for saving my-" the Queen's voice cut off, restraining a sob, and when those dark blue eyes turned back to her, all of Flarepaw's worries vanished because there was relief and there was gratitude within their depths. Feathersong looked on in disbelief, letting out a teary laugh, "You saved my daughters, and you're apologizing?"
"I…" Flarepaw really didn't know what to say to that, glancing at the others and expecting at least one of them to be wary or displeased with the situation. Not a single one of them was. "Yes?"
"You- Come here, get over here," Flarepaw had never heard Feathersong like this before, speaking through the tears and with such a strained voice with the effort it took for her to make coherent words. She wavered in her steps as she began walking over, glancing nervously at the others to make sure it was okay, until she was right by the upper half of the Queen's body.
She leaned down and subsequently nearly toppled right on top of her as Feathersong reached up and dragged her down into a fierce embrace that put Sagepaw's earlier hugs to shame. The angle was awkward for her since she tried very hard not to fall in the direction of the kits and her muscles strained a little, but she accepted it readily and wouldn't trade it for the world.
Feathersong trembled against her, sobbing into her shoulder, and whispered such a broken, grateful, "Thank you."
Over and over, until Flarepaw was convinced they were the only words the Queen knew at the moment, and all of her worries washed away to nothingness. Her own tears fell silently as she held onto the new mother, a pleased smile to her lips.
(If only Willowflame could see her now. Could see just how far she's come…)
She didn't know how long she remained there or how long they cried together, but eventually, Flarepaw pulled away and was subsequently bombarded by the others as well. Brightstreak and Swiftleaf were more energetic than Owlpelt, who gave her the warmest embrace, and Ravenflight, who simply patted her back with her tail and was as much of a hug as she was going to get. Sootblaze gave her a fleeting one that did nothing to satisfy her, but she relented and wandered back over to look at the kits.
They had been cleaned properly and appropriately gushed over by the others and now the little bundles were sleeping peacefully.
Lilykit was the white-furred one, it was apparently a name that Thornblaze had wanted to give to his kit if it had been a she-cat. The other, a light brown bundle that was slightly larger than her sister, had been named Thistlekit. ("Thorns and thistles," Feathersong had said with a fond expression.)
Flarepaw felt guilt rise within her again at the sight of them. Yes, she had saved one of them, but also… Well, in a way, she also ruined their life. They would never get to be a warrior, never get to experience what it was like to train for assessments and appease your mentor and work for your full name. Nor would they get to be a Medicine Cat.
It made her want to abolish the ranking system even faster, if only so whoever was the one to be her Servant would get the chance to be free from that rank.
Feathersong had left it up to her, unfairly so, and under the eyes of the others, Flarepaw honestly didn't know how mothers could ever choose between their kits. Which ones got to live and which ones got to die or which ones had to be reduced a rank all because of a stupid rule set upon them. As if it was their choice of how many kits they had.
(She wondered how Willowflame had done it, choosing Flamepaw and her over Sagepaw.)
It still felt so inherently wrong, despite Feathersong and the others saying it was okay.
In the end, she chose Thistlekit, for no deep meaning that she could find. Something felt right and something felt wrong about it, so she chose the little brown-furred kit that was already snuggling tightly to her sister. (No matter what, she thinks it would have felt wrong regardless.)
Flarepaw murmured her final congratulations before deciding it was time for her to leave for the night. The day had been stressful and the thought of finally being able to go to her nest made her want to collapse then and there. Feathersong had hugged her once more, holding her tightly in a way that brought tears to her eyes, and she shared her goodnights with the others before escaping.
Sadly, she still wasn't used to being in such a positive place.
The amber-furred she-cat wandered back outside, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as the frosty night air greeted her upon arrival and she felt herself infinitely relax. The Nursery was always so stuffy even without all of the Commoners taking residence inside for the moment.
Her eyes found the stars and she smiled softly.
Lucky kits.
They have such a large family already.
A family that would only grow if she managed to accomplish her dreams, managed to tear down a system that sought to divide the clan when they should be a united group.
So much work, so little time.
It was admittedly daunting now. Even more than before.
Because today was her first true step down such a controversial path and every decision she took from now on would either take her forward or back. Every action would be accounted for, every word analyzed.
The future was far and she didn't know if she had the strength to make it all the way…
"Hey." Flarepaw sucked in a sharp breath before turning back around, stumbling before catching herself, her ears perking up in surprise and her heart skipping a beat upon seeing Sootblaze standing just at the lip of the den. He sat nonchalantly, leaning against the structure carefully to not disrupt it, and looking at her with a smile on his lips.
She felt her hopes kindling within her chest and did her best to keep it from rising too high.
(She was not mentally or emotionally prepared for any sort of interaction with him, but the world didn't seem to care about what she wanted.)
"Hi," she dragged out, shifting around to better face him directly. Better to prepare herself for the worst (or the best). There were so many things she wanted to say and she bit her tongue on every single one of them because they were moving at his pace and maybe he wasn't ready yet but-
"Are you okay?"
Flarepaw blinked to herself, half-expecting that it had been her to talk, but it was his voice that came out and it took longer than it should have for her to realize it had been him who spoke. Flickers of concern appeared like wisps of embers within golden-yellow and Sootblaze's body twitched as though he wanted to get closer to her and restrained himself.
It warmed her heart and pierced right through, his words and his actions, and her smile became that much softer.
Even with giving each other space, he still worried about her.
He must have mistaken her shocked silence as something else because he started to ramble, "I just- Today was a lot and I knew it must have been scary for you to step up the way you did. It was very brave. And I know e-everyone said thank you multiple times but… but, thank you, Flarepaw. It probably wasn't easy and that's why I wanted to know if you're okay…"
(Somehow, his "thank you" was the only one that mattered.)
Sootblaze really didn't make it easy to resist getting closer to him.
The more he rambled, the more her smile grew and she had just missed this, had missed him so much it just… She wanted nothing more than to hold him tightly at this moment.
But she couldn't.
Because he didn't say that she could yet.
"It wasn't. Easy, I mean," Flarepaw murmured after he trailed off, glancing over her shoulder and imagining everything all over again, wondering if there was something she could have done differently and finding no other alternate outcome that was as victorious as this one. She shook her head before meeting the sunset once more, "but I'd do it all over again."
Sootblaze nodded, mostly to himself, before clearing his throat and shuffling the weight on his paws, biting the inside of his cheek and mumbling, "You didn't answer the question. Are you okay?"
"...Surprisingly," Flarepaw huffed out a small laugh, smiling to herself, "yeah. I think I am."
Everything was stressful, and there were many battles ahead, but… Flarepaw would get through them.
She wasn't alone after all.
"Good. That's good," he breathed out absentmindedly and looked like he wanted to say something else before swallowing the words and getting out in a rush, "Well, I just wanted to say goodnight, so… Goodnight."
Flarepaw tried not to let that disappoint her and only mildly succeeded. She gave a small bow of her head, "Goodnight, Sootblaze."
She turned, everything within her telling her not to just leave like this, and walking away had never felt so painful before. Every step a torture, every millimeter gained felt like a thousand different claws were digging into her very soul to try and drag her back to him. But she kept moving.
Kept moving until he spoke up again.
"Wait!"
She halted in her steps, not turning around like she greatly wanted to and simply looking over her shoulder. Sootblaze had taken a few steps to follow her and inevitably stopped, his ears flattened nervously, and he couldn't seem to meet her gaze.
"Yes?"
"I know I probably have no right to ask you of this but," Sootblaze's voice faded away near the end and he took in a deep breath, holding his shoulders back and raising his head and looking her directly in the eye- and seeming to regret that decision immediately but he holding firm nonetheless. She waited patiently, a slight tilt to her head. "Will you come with me tomorrow night to… visit their graves? I haven't… been there yet. I don't think I can by myself and-"
"Of course," she cut him off gently, and she didn't know whether to feel hurt that he seemed so surprised by that, his ears perking up. Flarepaw sent him as soothing as a smile as she could, "I'll meet you out of camp."
"Okay," he breathed out a quiet sigh of relief, beaming at her, "okay. Umm, goodnight."
He didn't wait to hear her words, swiftly turning back around and all but running inside the den once more, but she murmured a responding, "Goodnight," to the open air regardless and sighed to herself.
All too soon, she was by herself with only the winds to keep her company, and in some ways, they were more than enough for her.
Silver-blue found the midnight sky and she smiled at the stars.
Do you see me, mother? Flamepaw?
Look how far I've come.
Are you proud?
The future was still far out of her reach, but at the very least…
She had taken her first steps down the right path.
(She just hoped she could continue doing so.)
…
Stormclan
…
"These cobwebs are atrocious, Rainpaw."
"Well, my bad for not being adept at it. I had to work with what I had."
"Clearly, you didn't have a lot."
Rainpaw rolled her eyes as the dark brown tom hovered over her, gingerly peeling back each of the atrociously placed cobwebs covering her wounds. Ripplewave had a wrinkled nose on his face as he mumbled to himself, a hint of a scowl on his face, and for some reason, she found that amusing.
She couldn't be too mad at him.
Despite her very obvious injuries and even more obvious exhaustion, as soon as she wandered into camp alongside Windpaw, Cloudstar had insisted they talk immediately for her to tell him everything she had learned. Streamrunner had looked about mere seconds away from physically dragging her there as well when she refused.
Luckily for her, Ripplewave was there- and nobody could disobey a Medicine Cat. At least when it pertained to matters of someone clearly injured as she was.
Even a monster was given sympathy every now and then.
She kept her eyes closed, meeting the beast's gaze head-on from where it writhed within its reformed chains, and she felt sick to the stomach. Every subtle pull of the cobwebs to her wounds made her wince, but both of them ignored it.
She wanted to run right back out to the meadow with Windpaw. At least there, it wasn't so difficult to keep everything at bay. Tears burned at the back of her eyes like liquid fire and she was just so tired.
So damn tired.
The silence was very tempting and she just wanted to drop to the ground and fall asleep then and there- but she was also scared of sleep. What if whatever hold she regained on the monster released when she went to sleep?
What if she woke up someone completely new and unwanted?
Who am I kidding?
I'm already unwanted.
"I love you."
She thinks Windpaw must have been lying, that was the only explanation for her devotion. As soon as her love found out what she had done, the bodies she left behind, the blood she shed, Windpaw wouldn't be saying that. Rainpaw's brows pinched together and she blew out a ragged breath, shifting the weight between her paws as a shudder ran through her.
She didn't think she could survive without Windpaw's love.
It was the only good thing she had left after all.
"Your wounds are deeper."
She tilted her head a little more in Ripplewave's direction, indicating that she had heard him, but she couldn't find the strength to speak right away. She was so tired, so tired. Even now, she was still fighting to keep it together and she was failing.
Failure looked so tempting.
At least she'd be able to finally rest once she lost.
Ripplewave stepped away from her as soon as he finished peeling the last of the cobwebs away, laying all of her wounds bare, and Rainpaw instinctively felt herself cowering down. So open and exposed, she hated it. Her vision had still not returned… and from the look on the Medicine Cat's face, she didn't think it was ever going to again.
Never thought that'll ever happen.
She hated Umbra even more.
(Hated Aqua for causing the first mark, giving a clear target for the other to exploit.)
If only she could go back and-
And what?
Umbra's already dead.
You killed them, remember?
...Hmm…
She did?
(So tired so tired so tired.)
Ripplewave frowned at her and it looked like he was the one in pain instead of her. He wanted to say something and held his tongue and she wondered if he could see just how exhausted she was.
"Your scars are worse," he murmured, and for a moment, Rainpaw didn't know what he was talking about.
"You've been keeping something from me ever since you got back all those moons ago. You… You're hurt in a way that can't be seen. The scars you bear are hidden."
She didn't need to nod in confirmation for him to know the truth. Instead, she closed her eyes again and let out a bitter chuckle.
"Did you expect this little trip to make me better?" Sarcastic words that echoed the harshness of the monster's roar and there was so much noise in her head. So tired so tired. "Newsflash, it didn't."
"Rainpaw…" Ripplewave murmured with so much compassion it hurt her to hear it and she shied away from such care, from such light. Her claws pricked at the nest beneath her and the tom must have noticed because he made no move to step closer to her. "You can't keep these things inside forever. I am always here for you. It is my duty to heal; whether bodies, minds, or souls. I can help you."
Help.
Help?!
She didn't need help. She didn't want it.
She was fine.
(Help me! Help me, please! Please-)
"Just get this over with so I can sleep," she nearly snapped at the tom, the fur along her shoulders bristling and her tail twitching erratically, angrily. "I just want to sleep."
That was a lie. She was scared to sleep, it was the last thing she wanted.
Windpaw. She wanted Windpaw.
If she could just find Windpaw, then she can control it better.
Ripplewave hesitated before gradually stepping closer, setting about to work with tense silence and she clenched her jaw the entire time, stiffening it even more whenever the stinging poultice seeped into her wounds.
"You have come far, Rainpaw," the tom said when he was finishing up and she so desperately wanted to just ignore him, but curiosity was a killer even worse than the monster and she listened carefully. He stepped away, dark green eyes so sympathetic and imploring, murmuring, "Do not go back."
Liar. If Rainpaw really had "come far" then why did it feel like she was perpetually at the beginning all the damn time?
His words stabbed deep into her being and, as if scolded, the monster ceased its warning with a muffled squeak, recoiling, and Rainpaw could breathe. Ragged, panting, desperate, but she could breathe and that was so much better than before.
You have come far.
Did she really?
She didn't think so.
All she knew was that she was moving in a direction and toward an unknown future. What it had in store for her? Who knew? She certainly didn't. (It was there, full of blood and chaos and death, and she ran full sprint toward it.)
(In her desperate escape from the monster, Rainpaw was running down the wrong path.)
She'd never find her way again.
...
Allegiances (you know, 19 chapters later, no big deal XD)
…
Blazeclan
Grand Royal: Redstar- red-brown furred tom with black speckles on back and chest, white chest, golden-yellow eyes
Grand Royal Apprentices: Flarepaw- shaded amber-furred she-cat with black ear tips and tail tip, white stripe between eyes and down muzzle, white paws and chest, silver-blue eyes
Gingerpaw- plain ginger brown-furred tom with pale yellow eyes, white stripes on cheeks
(Mentors of Grand Royal apprentices: Wildfire, Tigergaze, Whiteshadow, Redstar)
Medicine Cats: Roseberry- amber-furred she-cat with a white underbelly, paws, and muzzle, very dark blue eyes
Hollypaw- black-furred she-cat with a dark grey tail tip and light grey paws and speckles, dark amber eyes
…
Royals
Whiteshadow- white-furred tom with a black underbelly and flanks, black on paws and face, light blue eyes
Wildfire- dark grey tabby tom with fur sticking out all over the place, dark amber eyes
Tigergaze- ginger brown-furred ton with a black patch on back, amber eyes
Russetclaw- russet brown-furred tom with black paws and a black stripe down back, copper-colored eyes
Foxear- red-brown furred tom with ginger laws and a ginger stripe along spine, yellow eyes
Goldencloud- golden-furred she-cat with a white-furred underbelly and speckles on back, dark blue eyes
…
Nobles
Cloudeye- fluffy, white-furred tom with one eye permanently closed, light grey paws and tail tip, light blue eyes
Ashtail- ashy grey-furred tom with black ear tips, underbelly, and tail, dark green eyes
Brightfoot- golden-furred she-cat with one lighter paw, three white paws, light green eyes
Dawnspot- cream furred she-cat with a golden spot between ears, amber eyes
…
Artisans
Redflame- ginger brown-furred tom, black stripes on legs, fiery amber eyes
Silverlight- silver-furred she-cat with white patches, white tail, and white ear tips, blue eyes with a hint of yellow
Smoketail- dark grey-furred tom with a lighter tail, darker spots on back, face, and chest, yellow eyes
Blazefang- dark ginger-brown furred tom with a black muzzle and ears, light grey stripes running down back, light green eyes
Yellowfire- scruffy ginger-furred tom with grayish stripes, one yellow-green eye and one blue-green eye
Iceshade- white-furred she-cat with a grey underbelly and paws, dark blue eyes
Stripetail- dark grey-furred tom with black and white stripes on tail and running down back, light blue eyes
…
Commoners
Brightstreak- pale ginger-furred she-cat with two white streaks on both sides, golden-colored paws, ear tips, and tail tip, light blue eyes
Owlpelt- dark brown-furred tom with black speckles on back and sides, wide amber eyes
Ravenflight- black-furred she-cat with dark grey flanks and underbelly, dark green eyes
Swiftleaf- light grey-furred she-cat with darker patches on back and chest, light green eyes
Sootblaze- light grey classic tabby tom with black stripes, dark grey tail tip, and black toes, golden-yellow eyes
…
Apprentices
Emberpaw (Royal)- red and black-furred tabby she-cat, white ear tips and tail tip, dark green eyes (Mentors: Whiteshadow and Dawnspot)
Rowanpaw (Royal)- dark brown-furred tom with black speckles, white paws, amber eyes, slash-like scars down face (Mentors: Wildfire and Cloudeye)
Amberpaw (Royal)- dappled golden brown-furred she-cat with white paws, ear tips, and tail tip, stormy blue eyes (Mentors: Goldencloud and Dawnspot)
Shadepaw (Royal)- light grey-furred Tom with black stripes and speckles, light amber eyes (Mentors: Cloudeye and Wildfire)
Sagepaw (Noble)- grey-furred tom with differing shades of grey to black, one black law and one white-tipped ear, sage green eyes (Mentors: Cloudeye and Wildfire)
Breezepaw (Noble)- golden-furred she-cat with darker golden stripes, amber eyes (Mentors: Ashtail and Tigergaze)
Thrushpaw (Noble)- sandy yellow-furred she-cat, blue eyes (Mentors: Ashtail and Silverlight)
Crimsonpaw (Noble)- dark red-furred tom, white streaks on back, amber eyes (Mentors: Brightfoot and Goldencloud)
Applepaw (Noble)- chestnut brown-furred tom, dark brown underbelly, light green eyes (Mentors: Cloudeye and Russetclaw)
…
Queens
Scarletfur (Artisan)- dark ginger-furred she-cat with black tabby stripes, dark green eyes (kits with Smoketail;
Boulderkit- grey-furred tom with lighter tail, dark green eyes)
Feathersong (Commoner)- white-furred she-cat with a darker muzzle, paws, and tail, dark blue eyes (kits with Thornblaze {deceased};
Lilykit- white-furred she-kit with black tabby stripes, tinged light brown speckles on lower back, kit-blue eyes
Thistlekit- light brown she-kit, traces of white on muzzle, paws, and tail, faint white specks, kit-blue eyes)
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Servants
Patchstorm- grey-furred tom with a white patch on back, stormy blue eyes (Servant to Redstar)
Otterflash- dark brown-furred tom with black stripes on face, back, and chest, bright yellow eyes (Servant to Tigergaze)
Flashstrike- light golden-furred tom with white patches on shoulders and back, light amber eyes (Servant to Foxear)
Thistlekit- (Servant to Flarepaw)
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Prisoners
None
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Stormclan
Grand Royal: Cloudstar- white-furred tom with darker underbelly and chest, light grey ear tips and tail tip, dark blue eyes
Grand Royal Apprentices: Bluepaw- blue-grey furred tom with black stripes down back and chest, white ear tips and toes, dark green eyes
Windpaw- grey-furred she-cat with black paws, copper-colored eyes
(Mentors to Grand Royal Apprentices: Sagesplash, Fernclaw, Maplepond, Cloudstar)
Medicine Cat: Ripplewave- dark brown-furred tom with blue-grey stripes across back and down flanks, white paws and ear tips, dark green eyes
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Royals
Sagesplash- dark grey-furred tom with a white splash on chest, black paws and tail tip, light blue eyes
Streamrunner- blue-grey furred tom with light grey speckles on chest and legs, dark green eyes
Riverspiral- dark grey-furred she-cat with white spiral stripes on sides, dark blue eyes
Maplepond- dark brown-furred she-cat with a white patch on black paws and tail tip, light blue eyes
Fernclaw- light grey-furred she-cat with two white paws and two black paws, light green eyes
Splashstorm- white-furred she-cat with a black splash on chest, stormy blue eyes
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Nobles
Troutstripe- dark brown-furred tom with white stripes from nose to tail tip, black ear tips, dark green eyes
Pikeheart- blue-grey furred tom with traces of black, specifically on chest, light green eyes
Carpshadow- dark grey-furred tom with black underbelly, chest, legs, and pes, darker grey ear tips and tail tip, dark green eyes
Duskpetal- dark grey-furred she-cat with light grey ear tips, muzzle, and paws, dark green eyes
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Artisans
Sandclaw- pale ginger-furred she-cat with dark grey paws and ear tips, light amber eyes
Redpool- red-brown furred she-cat with white paws and spots on underbelly, light blue eyes
Stonescar- dark grey-furred tom with a long scar from the tip of the ear down left eye and to the chin, light grey muzzle and paws, light green eyes
Swanstream- white-furred she-cat with a black tail tip, light blue eyes
Mistshadow- white-furred she-cat with light grey tabby stripes, pale blue eyes
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Commoners
Spiderfang- black-furred tom with a dark grey muzzle, light amber eyes
Emberlily- amber brown-furred she-cat with black tabby stripes, dark green eyes
Lakeshadow- light grey-furred she-cat with black stripes and underbelly, dark green eyes
Spottedriver- dark grey-furred she-cat with blue-grey spots on back and chest, light green eyes
Dewstep- blue-grey furred she-cat with white paws, yellow eyes
Bubblecloud- white-furred she-cat with light grey patches on back, light blue eyes
Pricklefang- dark brown-furred tom with spiky fur, black stripes from muzzle down to lower back, dark green eyes
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Apprentices
Rainpaw (Royal)- blue-grey furred she-cat with a white underbelly, ears, and tail tip, scar straight down chest, light blue eyes (Mentors: Streamrunner and Pikeheart {unofficial})
Specklepaw (Royal)- white-furred she-cat with black speckles, dark blue eyes (Mentors: Sagesplash and Carpshadow)
Cloverpaw (Royal)- dark brown-furred she-cat with a lighter brown tail and ear tips, dark amber eyes (Mentors: Streamrunner and Troutstripe)
Drippingpaw (Royal)- calico she-cat with white stomach, black streaks running under eyes and mouth, dark blue eyes (Mentors: Fernclaw and Duskpetal)
Creekpaw (Noble)- small, grey-furred she-cat with black tabby stripes, green eyes (Mentors: Pikeheart and Silverspirit)
Blizzardpaw (Artisan)- light grey tom with a white muzzle, paws, and tail tip, yellow eyes (Mentor: Stonescar)
Mistpaw (Artisan)- light grey-furred she-cat with darker grey tabby stripes, yellow eyes (Mentor: Redpool)
Maplepaw (Artisan)- pale red-furred she-cat with darker paws, fiery amber eyes (Mentor: Stonescar)
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Queens
Silverspirit (Artisan)- silver grey-furred she-cat with traces of white, light blue eyes (kits with Unknown;
Icekit- white-furred she-kit with silver tabby stripes, pale green eyes
Ripplekit- white-furred she-kit with faint brown tabby markings, icy blue eyes)
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Servants
Thorncloud- fluffy, dark brown-furred Tom with white patches and white ear tips, light blue eyes (Servant to Cloudstar)
Harefoot- white and light grey-furred she-cat with black tabby stripes, black on ear tips, dark green eyes (Servant to Streamrunner)
Shrewgaze- dark brown-furred she-cat with black underbelly and spots above eyes, dark amber eyes (Servant to Carpshadow)
Meadowstep- dark grey and dark brown she-cat with a white underbelly and white tail tip, dark green eyes (Servant to Pikeheart)
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Prisoners
None
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Forestclan
Grand Royal: Leafstar- light grey and light brown furred she-cat with white tabby stripes, light green eyes
Grand Royal Apprentices: Bramblepaw- light brown furred tom with black streaks, green eyes
Cherrypaw- black and grey-furred she-cat with white spots between ears, icy blue eyes
(Mentors to Grand Royal Apprentices: Robinwing, Rosewind, Addermask, Leafstar)
Medicine Cat: Blossomleaf- dark grey-furred she-cat with dark brown paws and tail tip, white speckles on sides, light green eyes
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Royals
Addermask- dark brown furred tom, black muzzle, and black patches around eyes, black speckles on back, yellow eyes
Rosewind- red-brown furred she-cat with silver grey stripes on body, dark green eyes
Robinwing- red-brown furred tom with white flanks, black stripes on sides, green eyes
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Nobles
Featherfall- white-furred she-cat with black speckles near chest and neck, leafy green eyes
Ashleap- ashy grey-furred tom with long, black legs, white ear tips, and toes, amber eyes
Brightclaw- golden and white calico she-cat with light brown speckles on neck and chest, light blue eyes
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Artisans
Leafheart- white-furred she-cat with black speckles near chest and neck, leafy green eyes
Spottednose- light grey-furred tom with black spots on nose, brown speckles on shoulders, yellow eyes
Silverfeather- silver grey-furred she-cat with small white stripes down back and tail, black tail tip and ear tips, dark blue eyes
Sparrowfoot- dark brown-furred tom with a white patch on back, one darker brown paw and one black paw, dark green eyes
Dapplewind- white and black dappled she-cat with silver-grey spots on chest and lower back, dark blue eyes
Coalshade- sleek, black-furred tom with red-brown patches on chest, yellow eyes
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Commoners
Whitestone- white-furred tom with dark grey patches on body, light grey spots around eyes, light blue eyes
Foxtail- russet brown-furred tom with black speckles on cheeks and neck, bushy tail, dark amber eyes
Rowanstripe- dark brown-furred tom with black stripes and speckles on back and underbelly, light amber eyes
Nightstone- black-furred tom with dark grey paws and tail tip, light amber eyes
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Apprentices
Mothpaw (Royal)- light grey-furred tom with white speckles on face and chest, light blue eyes (Mentors: Robinwing and Feartherfall)
Heatherpaw (Royal)- cream-colored she-cat with a light brown muzzle and paws, dark blue eyes (Mentors: Addermask and Brightclaw)
Swiftpaw (Royal)- light grey-furred she-cat with black tabby stripes, dark green eyes (Mentors: Addermask and Brightclaw)
Ashpaw (Noble)- dark grey-furred tom with black spots on back and chest, light green eyes (Mentors: Featherfall and Spottednose)
Hawkpaw (Noble)- dark brown and black tabby tom, white paws and muzzle, dark blue eyes (Mentors: Ashleap and Silverfeather)
Birdpaw (Noble)- dark brown furred she-cat with white paws and muzzle, light blue eyes (Mentors: Brightclaw and Dapplewind)
Copperpaw (Noble)- copper brown-furred tom with black paws and white tail tip, dark green eyes (Mentors: Brightclaw and Dapplewind)
Birchpaw (Noble)- light brown tabby she-cat, amber eyes (Mentors: Addermask and Brightclaw)
Fogpaw (Noble)- grey, sliver, and white-furred tom, pale blue eyes (Mentors: Ashleap and Spottednose)
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Queens
Hazelcloud (Commoner)- light brown furred she-cat with white speckles on sides and back, light amber eyes (kits with Whitestone;
Hawkkit- mottled brown she-kit, black tail and ear, amber eyes)
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Servants
Fogcloud- light grey fluffy she-cat with small white spots, light blue eyes (Servant to Leafstar)
Blackleaf- black-furred tom with dark ginger paws and ear tips, dark green eyes (Servant to Addermask)
Darkblaze- black-furred tom with dark grey paws, dark green eyes (Servant to Leafstar)
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Prisoners
None
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Cripple
Berrypaw- blue-grey furred she-cat with a black splash on chest, long scar along right side, dark green eyes
Thornpaw- dark brown furred tom with black tabby stripes, dark green eyes, blind
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…
The City
King- ?
Phantom- white and grey tinted furred tom with black paws and ear tips, dark golden eyes (Rank: One)
Spirit- white-furred she-cat with light grey ears tips, toes, and tail tip, pale blue eyes (Rank: Two)
Ignis- ginger brown-furred tom with traces of black and light grey speckles on chest, face, and front legs, bright green eyes (Rank: Three)
Aqua- dark blue-grey furred she-cat with small light grey, dark grey, and white stripes on underbelly and flanks, dark blue eyes (Rank: Four)
Terra- dark brown-furred tom with light brown speckles stretching down back, two black stripes under eyes and down muzzle, dark amber eyes (Rank: Five)
Caeli- silver-furred she-cat with a combination of light and dark grey tabby stripes, white chest and paws, light blue eyes (Rank: Six)
Glacies- white-furred tom with black patches on body, grey ear tips, icy blue eyes (Rank: Seven)
Lux- pale golden-furred tom with white flanks and underbelly, pale yellow eyes (Rank: Eight)
Fulgar- golden-furred tom with ginger ear tips, tail tip, paws, and underbelly, white on toes and muzzle, bright yellow eyes (Rank: Nine)
Rook- dark brown and black tabby tom with dark grey shading on underbelly, dark green eyes (Rank: Ten)
Sabre- black-furred tom with white chest and underbelly, white ear tips and tail tip, light green eyes (Rank: Eleven)
Nyx- dusky black-furred cat, white patch over left eye, faint white streaks on underbelly and flanks, deep blue eyes (Rank: Twelve)
Newt- small, dark blue-grey furred tom with thin light grey stripes on underbelly, green eyes and blind right eye
Gale- tall, grey-furred tom with black paws, white ear tips and tail tip, dark grey splash on chest, blue-green eyes
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A/N: You know, every now and then I do enjoy these kinds of chapters where it's just conversations between a set of characters. Flarekitty's taking her steps in the right direction- and on the flip side, raindrop is not having a good time. Cross your fingers, everyone. Hope you enjoyed!
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Question of the Day
(It is getting very hard to come up with these XD)
If you had the world's attention for 30 seconds, what would you say?
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Thank you and peace out!
~Wolfcreations21