#dappleshine

[talonslockau]

Forest of Secrets - Chapter 15

Chapter 14 || Index || Chapter 16

It was a warm greenleaf day as Fireheart trotted merrily through the forest. Birdsong drifted through the trees, a warm and sweet melody that seemed to lighten his paws until he was almost floating along. Squirrels scampered through the foliage, as mice raced across tree roots. Prey was plentiful, and even though he was supposed to be out on patrol, his mouth watered at the thought of sinking his teeth into a juicy vole.

Surely a little hunting wouldn’t hurt anything, he thought as he lowered himself into a hunting crouch. After all, there hadn’t been any attacks on the border in moons. He lowered himself more as he spotted a young starling, scratching at the ground as it looked for acorns amongst the roots of an oak tree. He took one step closer - then another -

SPLASH!

“Hhh!” Fireheart jolted awake in shock as icy-cold water soaked his fur. He was in his nest in the warriors’ den, which was dark as the morning light had yet to peek its first rays into camp. He glanced up to see a hole in the den right above his nest, where another large droplet was coalescing to splash down onto him. He ducked to the side right as it fell, watching as it splattered down and was absorbed by his damp moss.

“You too, huh?” He glanced over a nest to see Peppermask, whose own head was soaking wet. She drew one gray paw over her head, trying to wick some of it away. “Woke me up as well. Seems the den has sprung a few leaks since last leafbare.”

“Someone ought to take care of it. Where’s Tigerclaw? He’s the one that should be in charge of den repairs.” Darkstripe was sat up nearby, his nose wrinkled in disgust. “Should have sent Cinderspark out for den supplies while she was still an apprentice. I can’t sleep like this until Goldenflower’s kits are apprenticed!”

“I’ll take care of it. No need to bother Dad with something so trivial.” Fireheart blinked in surprise as another drowsy voice interrupted them, turning to see Sandstorm shuffling past. “It’ll be good as new by sunhigh.” She growled at the three of them before leaving the den.

He glanced over at Peppermask, whose ears were also perked in astonishment. “I guess that takes care of that, then.” She mewed after a few moments.

“I guess so.” The ginger tom echoed in surprise. Sandstorm seemed like the type to believe any apprentice work was beneath her. Then again, perhaps she just refused to be uncomfortable for the next several moons while the kits grew. That made more sense than her doing something out of the goodness of her heart.

He shook the thought out of his mind, looking over to Peppermask before noticing the empty nest sitting between them. “Where’s Graystripe? He wasn’t on either of the dawn patrols, was he?”

“I don’t know.” Even in the low light, he could see the frown on the spotted molly’s face. She leaned down to take a deep sniff. “He was definitely here recently. His scent is still fresh.”

“Does it matter?” Darkstripe snorted as he shook himself out and padded after Sandstorm. “Maybe he found somewhere drier to sleep. That’s what I’m going to try to do, anyways.”

Fireheart hesitated, glancing over at Peppermask to see his expression mirrored on her face. Graystripe being so absent from camp was worrying both of them, not to mention his strange avoidance of them. He flicked his ear towards the entrance, and they both stood and padded towards it, silently agreeing that they had to find where he had gone.

They passed Darkstripe, who was bitterly complaining to the night guard Dappleshine about the soaking den. The tortoiseshell queen looked rather annoyed with him, but gave the two warriors a courteous nod of respect as they passed. He could see Tinyfrost in an equally bad mood by the foxhole, guarding their prisoner through the night. He didn’t dare to stop to ask how the little warrior was doing; he already knew the answer.

The two young warriors paused by the bramble tunnel as Peppermask scented carefully. “He came through here.” She murmured softly to him, and with a nod of understanding he followed her outside. 

The forest was still in the moments before dawn, with all creatures slumbering peacefully in their nests. Normally, Graystripe would be doing the same, having never liked to get up before the sun’s rays reached the horizon. What had compelled him to leave camp before even the dawn patrols?

Peppermask followed her brother’s scent to the training hollow, where they both gave pause for a moment. Perhaps he had just been practicing his hunting crouches? Then the trail veered sharply off, to the muddy bank of a shallow creek that had dried up many seasons before Fireheart was born. 

There was no need to track now; though most of the snow had melted in the slightly warmer night, the ground here was slick enough to easily see the tom’s pawprints running along the bank. The pace of his pawprints indicated he had been almost sprinting; as the two began trotting alongside, they gave each other a nervous glance. There was no way he could have scented anything when he was running so fast. But if he hadn’t been hunting, where would he be going?

The trail followed the creek bank all the way through their territory. The morning light was just beginning to color the sky as they finally emerged from the trees at the edge of Riverclan territory. Now, Graystripe’s tracks were mixed up with those of passing patrols’. Fireheart glanced furtively at Peppermask. “What now?” He whispered to the spotted molly beside him.

She opened her mouth as though to reply, then suddenly crouched down into the tall grass they were standing in, lashing her tail at him to do the same. He did so in confusion, following her narrowed green gaze down to the reeds at the water’s edge. 

At first, he saw nothing. Then he spied movement, and watched with wide eyes as two cats bounded out of the reeds. The first was Graystripe, his large muscled form easily visible as he dashed by, scattering pebbles in his wake. The second was much smaller, more slender, a silver streak flashing past. 

The second caught up to the Thunderclan tom, bowling him over and sending them skidding across the riverbank. Fireheart stood, tail lashing, and prepared to defend his friend when he heard mirthful purring. He watched in shock as Graystripe reached up and gently lapped at the silver cat’s cheek. 

What in Starclan’s name was Graystripe doing? He looked over at Peppermask, but she seemed equally surprised and bewildered at what was happening. As he looked back at the two, he realized he recognized the tabby that had been chasing after his friend: Silverstream, one of the Riverclan mollies that had rescued them from drowning.

“Graystripe!” Fireheart finally sprang out of the tall grass, eyes narrowing as he saw them both bristle and look guiltily towards him. He felt Peppermask slide out of the grass behind him. “What are you doing?”

The dark gray tom’s yellow eyes were wide as he stared at his friend and sister. “Did you two follow me?” He mewed, his voice stunned as though he hadn’t even considered the possibility.

“Of course we did!” Peppermask snapped beside the ginger tom, her tail lashing furiously. “Is this why you’ve been disappearing so often? Visiting her?” 

The Riverclan molly’s lip curled into a snarl. “I have a name, you know.” She spat angrily at the Thunderclanners.

“Yes, of course you do! Silverstream, a warrior of Riverclan - our enemy, Graystripe!” The spotted tabby growled, her green eyes blazing as she stared down the other molly. “And the daughter of Crookedstar, no less! Could you have chosen worse?”

Silverstream opened her mouth to retort, but Graystripe stepped forward. “I think I should go.” He mewed, not to his Clanmates, but to the molly beside him, looking into her blazing blue eyes with his wide, earnest yellow ones.

There was a tense moment of silence before the Riverclanner nodded. “Fine.” She responded haughtily, leaning in to brush her cheek against his. She whispered something into the Thunderclan tom’s ear that Fireheart couldn’t catch, before stepping away to the water’s edge. The silver molly cast one last challenging glare towards the two Thunderclanners that had interrupted them before slipping back into the water and disappearing.

Peppermask advanced on her brother. “You missed the battle with Brokentail! You missed Cinderspark’s ceremony! All for some Riverclan vixen? I thought better of you, Graystripe.”

The tom’s gray hackles began to rise at his sister’s words. “She’s not a vixen!” he replied, anger surging into his tone. “You’d know that if you bothered to look past her Clan!”

“I don’t need to look past her Clan, Graystripe. She’s an enemy warrior! By seeing her, you’re breaking the warrior code.” The spotted warrior’s own fur was bristling furiously, and as Fireheart looked on he saw her begin to shift into a battle stance. “We were both raised to be loyal to Thunderclan. What would Dad say if he could see you now?”

“Don’t you dare bring up Dad to me!” Graystripe spat, advancing on her now. “You know I miss him just as much as you do. The only difference is, I wasn’t going around attacking my Clanmates for his death! I think that makes me a far more loyal Thunderclan warrior.”

“Why, you!” His sister released a strangled cry at his words, and Fireheart saw her claws unsheathe as her ears flattened further. He stepped forward, not wanting the two siblings to start fighting - how would they explain that to Tigerclaw and Bluestar?

“Graystripe, that’s not fair at all. Peppermask has good reason to question your loyalty when you’re constantly out of camp with a-” He glanced at where Silverstream had disappeared. “A Riverclan molly all the time.”

“You’re doubting me too?” The dark gray tom sounded wounded at his words. “I’m still loyal to Thunderclan! I always have been, and I always will be. I’ll never leave it.”

“What else can I think?” Fireheart asked him with a small shake of his head. His heart felt as though it were tearing through a thorn thicket, but he couldn’t just let Graystripe go so easily. “You’re breaking the code by seeing her, and lying to the Clan. What if there’s a battle with Riverclan? Would you still fight her?”

The other tom rolled his shoulders. “You worry too much. With how many Riverclan warriors there are, we’ll never be on the same battlefield. Besides, with Brokentail’s defeat, the Clans will be at peace.”

“And what about Tigerclaw?” As he said it, a memory surfaced in his mind of Silverstream and Graystripe next to each other at the Gathering. “That night at the Gathering - you weren’t really sick, were you? You were planning on sneaking off to see Silverstream!” 

Guilt shone in his friend’s yellow eyes, and he could hear Peppermask’s gasp of shock and anger beside him. “You’ve spent so much time away from the Clan, chasing after her. Sooner or later, you’re going to get caught - either by Thunderclan, or Riverclan. You have to stop this, Graystripe.” Fireheart warned the other tom.

“I don’t have to stop anything!” Graystripe cried, his tail lashing angrily. “We’re careful, Fireheart. She makes sure that we meet in gaps in the patrols, and I don’t meet with her until I’m done with patrols for the day.”

“You’re not careful enough. Tigerclaw has noticed you missing, Graystripe. And if we could track you here, so could he.” Though Peppermask was a superior tracker, so were several other cats in the Clan - if Tigerclaw recruited them to help him, it wouldn’t be long until their secret was found. “Why is she so important to you? More important than your Clan, more important than us?” Fireheart asked. The thought of Graystripe abandoning them at the Gathering played over and over in his mind. How could he consider Silverstream more important than avenging his father?

“You don’t understand, Fireheart. I love her!” He flattened his ears at Graystripe’s strong declaration. How could he possibly say that? He barely even knew her! “We share the same thoughts, even though we’re from different Clans. It’s like Starclan themselves planned for us to be together!”

Fireheart shook his head in disbelief. What his friend was saying was ridiculous. He knew birth wasn’t everything, but it was clear both cared deeply for their own Clan. How could they possibly reconcile that? 

As he was about to speak, he heard Peppermask mew beside him. “There’s no point to this. He’s clearly made up his mind.” He looked at her in surprise as she turned and walked back up the riverbank into Thunderclan forest, flicking her tail for Fireheart to follow. She paused at the top to give her brother a wicked glare. “Just don’t say we didn’t warn you when you get exiled over this.”

The dark gray tom growled beside him, but Fireheart found himself unable to disagree. Just because they were the first to find out what Graystripe had been doing didn’t mean they’d be the last. He had been willing to make excuse after excuse for his friend, believing him to be grieving his father, but he couldn’t cover up such a blatant breach of the code. Especially not when he was doing so without care for what Thunderclan would do to him, when Fireheart himself had to constantly fear being exiled. 

He cast one last look at his friend - his first friend, the one that had welcomed him into the Clan - before following Peppermask up the hill. It hurt to turn his back on Graystripe, but he couldn’t let himself get caught up in this. Tigerclaw still had to be dealt with, and he couldn’t give the evil deputy any more ammunition to accuse him with. 

He would have to leave his best friend to figure things out on his own. He just hoped that it wouldn’t end in exile, or a far worse tragedy.

#talonslock #warrior cats #the prophecies begin #fanfic #thunderclan #fireheart #peppermask #darkstripe #sandstorm #dappleshine #tinyfrost #graystripe #silverstream #talonslock story #forest of secrets

[ravnfang]

Dappleshine (left) and brindlewish (right)

These sassy gals took forever to draw. If you want more info abt em i can make a new post later

#erin hunter warriors #warriors fanart #warrior cats #warriors oc #COTC #oc #clansofthecoast #reedclan

[bluiex]

I just saw warrior cats au, MAY I GIVE NAME SUGGESTIONS BECAUSE I MADE AN AU LIKE THIS A WHILE AGO AND GAVE THEM NAMES >:)

Grian — Featherfoot (Windclan) small sandy colored tom

Scar — Cedarscar (Thunderclan) large brown tabby tom, scarred pelt and face. him and featherfoot are secretly mates >:)

Tango — Scorchfur (Shadowclan) golden furred tom, secret mate is Jimmy/Sunfeather because I love team rancher ^.^

Jimmy — Sunfeather (Riverclan) heavy, pale furred tom, deputy of Riverclan because sheriff lmao

Etho — Nettlestreak (Shadowclan) white and grey mottled tabby tom, scarred blind in one eye

Joel — Gorsetooth (Thunderclan) small brown and white tabby tom (mate is Blossomheart)

Lizzie — Blossomheart (Thunderclan) large calico she-cat

Pearl — Russetclaw (Windclan) small pale furred tabby (Featherfoots litter mate)

Scott — Dappleshine (Windclan) grayish blue and white tabby tom

Cleo — Leafstep (Shadowclan) large, dark mottled she-cat

Martyn — Littlewood (I named him Littlewood too lmao) (Thunderclan) sandy furred tom

BigB — Rootclaw (Thunderclan) small, dark mottled tom (mate is Oakfang)

Ren — Oakfang (Shadowclan) large brown tabby tom, white patched chest and muzzle, deputy of Shadowclan

Impulse — Thornstrike (Thunderclan) large, heavy, grayish brown tom (mate is Mosspebble)

Bdubs — Mosspebble (Riverclan) small, gray mottled tom

YOOO I love the names!!! Jimmy (Sunfeather) is my absolute fave

#bluie gets an ask poggers #long post #wc au

[sotcwcrp]

What's New In The Roleplay:

Gosh, lots has happened, hasn't it? Let's catch up!

Thunderclan:

★ — A badger was found on Thunderclans territory, but the issue was dealt with swiftly.

★ — Petuniasong, Marigoldstep and Milkweedspring have left the clan.

★ — Lightningflower has stepped down as a healer, and also left the clan.

★ — Zinniapaw and Wheatpaw have join the ranks of apprentices.

Riverclan:

★ — Otterwhim, the clan's eldest wildcat, joined Starclan's ranks.

★ — Burnetpaw, Squirrelpaw, Rookpaw, Cypresspaw, Cedarpaw, Granitepaw, Valleypaw, Howlpaw, Mumblepaw, and Duskpaw have all graduated to become apprentices of Riverclan.

★ — Furthermore, Rookpaw has become the clan's newest Healer Apprentice.

★ — Stagthorn, Marigoldhop, Freckletoes, Dappleshine, and Horizonfall have graduated and are now full warriors of Riverclan.

Windclan:

★ — Huckleblossom's departure from Windclan to follow his friend that left seasons ago was announced.

★ — Two more kits were announced to have been found on the moors shortly after finding songkit. Stormkit and Solarkit; who now live safely within Windclan.

★ — Joypaw, Hopepaw, Dreampaw, and Wishpaw are announced as apprentices.

★ — Goldenflame, Nettlesting, Petalsong, Violetcurl, Pumpkinglow, Twitch[?] and Weevilspring are announced to have gotten their warrior names.

★ — Cloverdawn has become a full healer!

Shadowclan:

★ — The remaining fox from a pair terrorizing Shadowclan was slain.

★ — Longspurshadow passed from her earlier injuries.

★ — Vividskies completed hys training as a healer accepted by StarClan.

★ — Mimiclull, Candesiablade, Applewish, Rootshade, and Twigsnap all graduated to warriorhood.

★ — Dahliaflame joined Shadowclan's ranks.

★ — Otterkit, Polecatkit, Ferretkit, and Badgerkit were born to Venuswalker and Pipstrellepetal, and another kitten, Blossomingkit, was discovered near the Thunderpath.

Plot News:

★ — Stars fell across the sky and clouds covered the moon at the last gathering! Cats are scrambling to find answers.

What's New on the Server:

★ — Cel and Kat have joined Thunderclan Staff!

★ — Agnes has joined the Lead Staff!

★ — Blue and Oliver have joined Riverclan Staff!

★ — Our plot has begun!

Opening News:

★ — SOTC is currently closed for any new members. Keep an eye on out tumblr/ join our discord for any updates!

#sotcwcrp #wcrp #monthly update #warrior cats #warrior cats rp #discord rp

[rootclan]

Excuse the human form, but what are your philosophy for rootclan? What are your beliefs dappleshine?

#dappleshine was definitely the right cat to ask about this #he can blather on about a lot but I had to fit the words into the panels so a lot had to be removed :( #so sorry if it’s a bit all over the place haha! #rootclan #ask #ask blog #warriors #warrior cats #wc #dappleshine #ask-Johnathan-vann-Wolfe #kinda lazy sorry about that :(

[celestial-llynx]

Here’s my May redraw!! I decided to throw myself back down into Warrior Cat hell for this one and draw all my horrible old OC’s and after I did the lines, I decided I would revamp each character a tad so they all looked...better.

From left to right: Knox, Aubrey, Sweetpaw, Swiftwhisker, Fallowpaw, Dappleshine, Spottedsky.

#warriors #warrior cats #bloodclan #bloodclan cat #bloodclan oc #warriors oc #warrior cats oc #apprentice #apprentices #medicine cat #knox #aubrey #sweetpaw #swiftwhisker #fallowpaw #dappleshine #spottedsky #warrior cat art #warriors art #group picture #celestial-llynx

[transbrightheart]

awww, thank you so very much! youre so kind!

to me, an anon-style warrior is a tortoiseshell, because of all the different kinds of people that are anon. shes a tabico because thats even more of a variety of pelt design to separate her from the rest.

i hope this is somewhat like what you were hoping to get!

#I AGONIZED OVER HER NAME #caps in tag 000 #anon #anonymous #dappleshine #warriors #warrior cats #warriors cats #wc #cats 000

[canon-notcanon-warriorcats]

Submitted by: shylittlestump

Timeline for rewrite

May be off more than should be possible because warriors is a mess…

This us gonna be kinda.. Grouped by book with the best order i can manage

***

Bluestar’s Propechy

-Moonflower dies and Dappletail gets survivor’s guilt

-Dappletail retires early a few moons later due to severe depression

-After Leopardfoot has her kits, Mistkit dies but the other dies once then is somehow revived. The kit is named Ghostkit because he should be one. Goosefeather panics.

-Ghostkit is given to Thistleclaw and becomes Ghostpaw.

-Bluefur stops Ghostpaw from killing Tiny and goes to bring him to camp but he flees and ends up in Riverclan after almost drowning

-Bluefur has Crookedjaw’s kits (they had more chemistry than her and Oakheart) but Mosskit dies after getting sick. Thistleclaw starts getting kind of threatening towards the kits so Bluefur gives them up to keep them safe.

-Goosefeather dies at Sunningrocks under unknown circumstances. It’s debated his madness killed him.

-Ghostpaw is named Ghostfang and Bluefur is named deputy. Dapplepelt helps Featherwhisker cope with the loss of his mentor.

Spottedleaf’s Heart

-Spottedkit and Fallenkit (Redkit) are born. Thistleclaw takes interest in Spottedkit.

-Bluestar gives Thistleclaw Spottedpaw.

-All that creepy stuff happens but Dappletail finds out.

-Thistleclaw is found dead after the truth came out. Featherwhisker poisoned him.

-Spottedpaw resumes warrior training.

-Dappletail becomes a med cat appretience. She feels needed again.

Between Books

-Dappletail becomes full medcat and has her named changed to Dappleshine to reflect her new self.

-Whitestorm mentors Sandpaw. Ghostfang mentors Dustpaw. Dappleshine takes Ravenpaw in as an apprentice. Lionheart mentors Graypaw.

-Fallenpelt is named deputy.

Into the Wild

-Dappleshine, Runningnose, and Mudface receive a sign at the gathering after Brokenstar admits to driving Windclan out.

-Rusty greets Ravenpaw and Dappleshine every time they come by to get catmint and various other herbs. He learns of clan life this way.

-In the battle over Sunningrocks, Ravenpaw rushes back to see if Ghostfang and Fallenpelt need healing. He finds Oakheart dead under rocks. Ghostfang kills Fallenpelt.

#submission #why is redtail named fallenpelt #also bluestar giving up her kits because of thistleclaw makes it a lot better than 'you can't be deputy if you have kits' #so good job

[maycontainwarriorssalt]

I'm doing a warriors rewrite and... So much... Fun. Dapplepelt becomes a med cat after watching Moonflower die because she feels guilty for taking up Stormfur's training time. Featherwhisker helps her out and both learn from Goosefeather. The thing with Thistleclaw happens but Spottedpaw tells Dapplepelt (who renamed herself to Dappleshine) and both her and Featherwhisker get pissed. Thistleclaw gets killed mysteriously. Spottedpaw becomes Spottedfeather. That's just the start tho

thats pretty cool.

[islandcats]

Specklepaw, apprentice of Leafclan

Son to Dappleshine and Firefur

Specklepaw is one of the smallest cats in his clan and is constantly teased for it by the other apprentices and younger warriors. Because of this, he has a perpetually grumpy attitude and is usually in a bad mood. The elders are particularly fond of him. His best friend is Snowpaw, and he has a crush on the warrior Sweetstripe.

#leafclan #apprentice #specklepaw #his name is subject to change #to what? i do not know #fanclan #island cats #warrior cats #warriors #warriors ocs #wc designs

[vulturepaws-plight]

Partridgestar’s family tree; transcription under the cut

Timbersong x Raven = Fox, Dove, Stormwhisper

Freckleface x Doeheart = Tumblestorm

Bracken x Finch x Firemist = Frostbelly, Frogleg, Maplerose, Nightblaze

Stormwhisper x ??? = Beestripe

Tumblestorm x Frostbelly = Pinetuft

Maplerose = see Twistedbriar family tree

(ex mates) Beestripe x Shadow = Skykit, Goldenwing 

Shadow x Pinetuft = Featherclaw, Rootpaw, Eaglethroat

Goldenwing x Thunderheart = Creekripple, Spidertoe, Dappleshine

(ex mates) Eaglethroat x Ruffles = Cherrykit, Finchkit, Squirrelkit, Bluekit

Keys x Little Bean = Oliver, Trouble, Sharky

(ex mates) Oliver x Violet = Bluegrass, Huckleberry, Lemon, Sage

Dappleshine x Sunny = Goosepelt, Lupinepetal

Eggfur x Goosepelt

Lupinepetal x Mosquitoflight = Sparkfang, Spruceblaze

Spruceblaze x Sandytail = Foxflame

(ex mates) Huckleberry x Willow = Hollyfeather

Foxflame x Hollyfeather = Partridgestar

#warriors #warrior cats #warriors oc #warrior cats oc #wc #MountainClan #Partridgestar #family tree

[talonslockau]

Dappleshine - A green-eyed tortoiseshell molly covered in many scars, betraying her once-youthful beauty. Dappleshine is a steady, gentle presence within Thunderclan. She cares for each cat in the Clan as if they were her own kit; and indeed, as one of the oldest Clan queens, she has cared for many of them since they were newborns. Due to the lack of warriors in Thunderclan, she has returned to being a warrior for the time being. Her name was changed from Dappletail to Dappleshine to give her more individuality. Family Relations: - Sister of Redtail and Spottedleaf - Mate to Speckleflight - Mother of Snowkit

#talonslock #dappletail #warrior cats #wc art #wc designs #thunderclan #dappleshine #talonslock art #the prophecies begin

[namira]

brad is boulderclaw

buzzo is waspfang 

buddy is crowpaw but she’ll be crowstorm when she grows up

terry is dappleshine

rando is dustheart

carp is carpclaw

birdie is featherbreeze

fly minetti is flyfoot

shocklord is lightningheart

anyhow those are the major characters+characters i tend to use, maybe later i will make a vital contribution to humankind and name everyone else 

[bluiex]

Warrior Hermit Cats lol Complex characters are fun. Featherfoot (Grian): Having been born and raised in Windclan, Featherfoot has always had ties and a home in the open moor, with the winds and rabbits around him. The scent of fresh hair and tall grass, it's wonderful, it always has been. And though he's loyal to his clan, his love for Cedarscar has always been an iffy topic. Though relations outside clans are frowned upon, it's not something completely forbidden... just taboo. But he can't deny his love for the larger tom, and wishes things were simple. Though normal, they hardly can be together all the time. Now with the rise of being deputy, Featherfoot is starting to find it hard to keep things secret while also being his clans helper. Voidstar is nearer to Starclan as the moons and seasons come and go. And people now will be looking to him to be leader, and take up the name of 'Star' later in life. But his heart calls him to be wth his mate. Torn between love and loyalty, Featherfoot has a hard time accepting that destiny has a path for him. And he wonders if Starclan is punishing him now more than ever... or if this is a test of loyalty? Cedarscar (Scar): Formally known as Cedarhawk, before he had his name changed after a battle left part of his face and chest scared badly, he is a rather large tom with a heart of gold. Cedarscar however Is not a born warrior of Thunderclan, but rather was a kit they found abandoned in a hallow on the boarders near Shadowclan. He was not Shadowclan nor Windclan, he smelled of Rouge. But none of less, his foster mother, Bramblebush, took him in along with his foster sibling, Gorsetooth (Joel). And he was raised as her kit. Cedarscar is aware that he is not her kit, but cares not for people's snides remarks. His brother loves him dearly, and he is happy that Gorsetooth found a mate in Blossomheart. He however has yet to tell his brother about his mate Featherfoot, and isn't sure if he ever can. Fear has him keeping his mouth shut as he's afraid the clan will see this as a betrayal as he's not a born warrior of the clan. Despite all he's proven... he wonders somedays if Voidstar would even accept him either. But all he knows is Thunderclan.. so where is he to go? And now with Featherfoot being Deputy, he wonders if their love will last? Sunfeather (Jimmy): Hot-headed, rude, and rather temperamental, Sunfeather has always been picked on most of his life for being clumsy and aloof. Which is why some find it shocking he was chosen as Deputy over Frostwing (Cub). No one can deny his loyalty and love for Riverclan, but not many see him as Deputy or even Leader material. Coldstar seems firm on this idea that he is though, and the clan gives him a chance. Even if his spats with Gorsetooth and Tallears (Fwhip) at the gathers show he might not be the right fit. Sunfeather is determined to prove them wrong, even though the last deputy, his mentor, said he wasn't the right material either... what does that old cat know? Sunfeather defeated him in a fight, ... it was an accident, he swears... he'll make it up to his mentor... he has to... He will be a good Deputy. Scorchfur (Tango) believes in him. And even helped him out, so it's fine, it has to be. Dappleshine (Scott): Always been an ambitious tom, determined to prove he's a true warrior, unlike his rouge brother Orangepelt (Owen). He cares deeply for Sunfeather, and has some grudge against Scorchfur for having the other's love. having tried to have a mate and kits with Russetclaw (Pearl), but he found himself repulsed at the idea of mating with her. And opted instead to break up with her, and tries to ignore the wedge it brings between him and Featherfoot. He had hoped to be Deputy, that would prove to everyone here he was a good person. But that title went to Featherfoot, and while bitter, Dappleshine begrudgingly accepts it. For now at least... surely Featherfoot would step down if it meant his mate wanted him more, right? And with the title of Deputy, maybe then Sunfeather would notice him more? At least... that's the plan, one that won't (hopefully) involve blood. Russetclaw (Pearl): Having never fit in as a warrior or queen, she finds herself mostly helping out Silversong in the medicine cats den. At least until Silversong finds an apprentice. She is very close to her brother, Featherfoot, and wants to only see him happy. She's doing we, despite the bitterness she feels to Dappleshine, and his lying and using her to cover up his love for another cat. If he had been honest, she'd have helped him, but instead, she used her. Top it off with the vision as of late getting worse. Since she was a young kit, the stars have always seem closer to her in her dreams. Reaching up to touch the moon itself some nights, and see things that have almost always come true. She's thought of telling Silversong, but doesn't want to seem desperate or that she's turning her back on being a Warrior... but she wonders some nights if being a Medicine Cat is a right fit... or if she's just looking for anyway out. - I could do the others, want me to make a whole list? XD

[rootclan]

[ RootClan is now back! Asks would be appreciated since I left none unanswered!! ]

#rootclan #ask blog #warriors #warrior cats #wc #dappleshine #extra art #Dappleshine is here since I'm pretty sure he's the only RootClan cat that has been yet to show up #so yes that is him

[talonslockau]

Forest of Secrets - Chapter 9

Chapter 8 || Index || Chapter 10

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!”

Fireheart sat beside Longtail near the Highrock as the Clan began to gather beneath the sun’s peak. Peppermask glanced curiously at him as she sat by her mother, but he didn’t dare to join her when he was sure to play a central part in this meeting. Instead, he looked up to Bluestar, who was looking troubled as she stared down on her warriors.

“For generations, Thunderclan has stood strong and proud, yet alone in the forest.” Cautious murmurs erupted at the regal leader’s words, wondering where her speech was going. “But we must remember that the Clan cannot stand on its own against mighty threats. Our strength does not come from our isolation, but from our valor.”

She paused as she stared down at her Clan, her brow furrowed. “Brokentail showed us that during his dark reign. We helped Shadowclan drive him out then, for he was a threat to our own Clan.” The Clan mumbled anxiously to each other, and he glanced to the side to see Frostfur press closer to Goldenflower. The two queens had nearly lost their kits that day, and Goldenflower had almost died. She still bore the scars from that day. “And now, he has returned.”

Gasps of shock echoed her words. “Are you sure?” Dappleshine called from near the other queens. “Surely he wouldn’t be so foolish as to attack the Clan that drove him out the first time!”

“Longtail and Fireheart spoke to a cat that had been attacked by his rogues. She described Spiderfoot unaided, and they found Shadowclan scents at the scene. They both agree: Brokentail has returned.” Bluestar replied to the tortoiseshell warrior with a dip of her head.

“It was a kittypet!” Dustleap called out from where he was sitting near Darkstripe. “Brokentail’s been attacking kittypets. It’s not our fight; we should be focused on protecting our territory from the other Clans for leafbare!”

There were a few jeers at the mention of kittypets, but Fireheart was pleased to notice that most of the crowd was merely staring at the brutish tabby. “Do you really believe that Brokentail will keep his murderous claws to himself?” He heard another cat call, and turned to see that it was Whitestorm, his yellow eyes narrowed as he glared at the young tom. “The Twolegplace offers little in terms of prey, and we have the whole forest on this side of the Thunderpath. I doubt it will be long before he sends his rogues into our territory.”

Bluestar dipped her head towards the senior warrior. “What Whitestorm says is true. Furthermore, Fireheart and Longtail reported back that the reason Brokentail is attacking kittypets is to practice for an attack on Thunderclan camp. He knows where our camp is; if we do not act, we could find enemies within our camp once more.”

There were yowls of anger at the leader’s words. “We’re better than a bunch of lazy kittypets!” Patchpelt snarled furiously from near the other elders. “I’d be glad to show them that if they dare to come near camp.”

“You must act, Bluestar!” Speckleflight shouted, curling her tail protectively around her son beside her. “We lost both Spottedleaf and Ravenspirit that day. Our kits could be next!”

“Let us at them!” Cinderpaw howled, digging her claws into the dirt. “We’ll show them what real warriors are made of!”

Fireheart’s own tail lashed at the thought. He had driven that mangy rogue band out once; he wouldn’t hesitate to do so again. “Then the Clan agrees. Brokentail must be stopped before he can intrude on Thunderclan territory.” Bluestar looked over the crowd, waiting for any dissent, but there was none. “Very well. Tigerclaw will send out the battle patrol after sunhigh. Meeting dismissed!”

He spotted Speckleflight turn away, her ears flat, and guide Snowkit back into the nursery. Clearly, she had been expecting this meeting would hold his ceremony. But Fireheart couldn’t focus on the tension between the leader and the oldest queen; he had too many other matters to worry about instead.

“Do you think that’s how Quickflash died?” He perked his ears as he heard someone speak near him, turning to see Mousefur had approached Longtail. “Maybe he saw one of Brokentail’s rogues along the Thunderpath, and tried to chase him away…”

He blinked in surprise at the molly’s words. Was that possible? He wished he could ask Quickflash himself, but he knew even if the tabby did show up he wasn’t likely to speak. “Maybe.” He heard Longtail reply, his voice low and angry. “If they did kill him, then I’ll ask Tigerclaw to make sure we’re both there to get his revenge.”

He blinked in surprise at the emotion in Longtail’s voice, before remembering that they were both Quickflash’s siblings. Of course they would want to fight for him. With a respectful nod to the two, he stood and made his way to where Peppermask was now sitting in the sun with Willowbranch, sharing a pigeon.

“Where’s Graystripe?” He mewed as he sat down beside the spotted molly. “It’s not like him to miss a meal.”

Though the two chuffed, he could see worry in Peppermask’s eyes as he spoke. “I’m not sure. He… He’s been spending a lot of time out of camp, since…” She glanced at her mother beside her sadly, the words unspoken. “He’s probably still mourning. He was the closest to Dad, out of all of us… I think he hoped to follow in Dad’s pawsteps, some day.”

Willowbranch’s gaze was downcast at the mention of her mate. She had taken it just as hard as One-eye, and he could see that even the mere thought of Quickflash was enough to bring tears to her eyes. “I understand. Do you mind if I share that pigeon with you in his stead?” Fireheart asked quickly, trying to distract the two of them.

“Of course not. There’s enough for all three of us.” She shifted aside slightly to give the ginger tom more room. “We were just talking about the meeting. So it’s true, then? Brokentail has really returned?”

Fireheart nodded grimly as he settled in beside her. “Though the kittypet didn’t mention seeing him, she described both Spiderfoot and Stumpytail very well. Either Spiderfoot now leads them, or more likely, Brokentail prefers to send his cronies to do his bidding while he reaps the rewards.” He huffed bitterly at the thought before leaning in to take a bite of freshkill.

“I never thought he’d dare to show his face again.” Willowbranch mewed beside her daughter. “Without Shadowclan by his side, how can he believe he has the numbers to fight against us?”

“He thinks he’s better than us.” Peppermask sniffed dismissively at the thought. “Well, we’ll show him. You think Tigerclaw will choose either of us for the battle patrol?”

“If he’s smart, he’ll send all the cats he can.” Fireheart replied, glancing across camp to where the dark deputy was talking with Bluestar and Longtail. “Brokentail and his band may be rogues now, but they’ve still got warrior training. We can’t underestimate them.”

“But he’ll need to leave cats behind to guard, as well.” Peppermask pointed out steadily. “What if Brokentail attacks while we’re away? They could attack the kits again!”

“The nursery isn’t unguarded so long as Speckleflight and Frostfury are around.” Fireheart joked, both of the mollies’ whiskers twitching in amusement at the white queen’s nickname. “Not to mention that Patchpelt and Halftail still seem battle-ready. And I know Yellowfang would sooner claw their ears off than let the rogues near Dewpaw.”

Some of the tension left Willowbranch’s shoulders at his response, and he realized she was still worried about her own kit as well. He remembered how Dewpaw had been after the last time Brokentail had attacked; his rogues had killed her mentor, and she had blamed herself for not being trained enough to fight them off. 

“Still, I think I’d feel better if he left a couple of cats behind.” Peppermask mewed softly from beside her mother.

“Then why don’t you go volunteer?” Fireheart nudged her with his shoulder. “I’m sure Tigerclaw will be glad to give you camp duty.”

The spotted tabby rolled her eyes at him, though a smirk grew slightly under her whiskers. “We’ll see what happens.” She replied before taking another bite of pigeon.

The three shared the bird as the sun slowly passed its height. The camp was filled with a nervous but excited energy; though this mission would surely be dangerous, it would also likely be the kind that elders would tell stories about for seasons. Everyone wanted to be the one to strike the final blow against the former tyrant, even if none said it aloud.

Fireheart was just beginning to clean bits of pigeon from his whiskers when Tigerclaw finally emerged from the shadow of the Highrock. He didn’t need to call: the warriors mobbed him as soon as he was close to the center of the clearing, their eyes bright as they waited for him to assign them their duties.

“The evening hunting patrol will still be Dappleshine, Willowbranch, and Tinyfrost.” The tabby announced first, his amber eyes glowing as he watched the warriors around him wait tensely. He seemed to be reveling in the attention he was getting from the entire Clan. “And the Shadowclan border patrol will remain Lionheart, Whitestorm, and Sandstorm. As Brokentail’s rogues have been spotted closer to that border, you should remain on alert in case the battle patrol needs your assistance.”

The three warriors nodded solemnly at his words. While Fireheart was surprised to hear that he was keeping two of the Clan’s strongest warriors out of the fight, it made sense that they would still be nearby and battle ready. “The Riverclan patrol will change to be myself, Darkstripe, and Peppermask.”

He perked his ears in astonishment. Tigerclaw was really avoiding a fight? He’d never heard the warrior shy away from a battle. Perhaps, he realized, these decisions were Bluestar’s, not Tigerclaw’s. Maybe she wanted to keep her deputy safe, though the mere thought made his fur rise slightly.

“The battle patrol will be Mistspring, Cinderpaw, Dustleap, Longtail, Mousefur, and Graystripe. Fireheart and Bluestar will remain behind to guard camp.” Fireheart’s tail lashed angrily at that. Did Tigerclaw think him too weak for the fight? No, he told himself, perhaps this was one of Bluestar’s decisions as well. Maybe she thought he had done enough in regards to Brokentail, and was worried if he was in the fight Brokentail would do everything in his power to eliminate the ‘kittypet apprentice’ that had humiliated him. Yes, he reasoned to himself - that made sense.

“Graystripe isn’t here right now, Tigerclaw.” He blinked out of his thoughts as he heard Peppermask’s careful mew.

“Well, where is he?” The dark tabby snapped in her direction. “Why did he leave without informing one of us?”

“I think he’s out hunting, sir.” She answered with a respectful dip of her head. “He’s been out all morning.”

The deputy growled at that before shaking his broad head warily. “Fine. If he returns, he can be on guard duty for the rest of the day. Fireheart can take his place.” He gave the ginger tom a disdainful glare, and it was then that he realized the decision to leave the young warrior behind was Tigerclaw’s. He hadn’t wanted to give Fireheart a chance to fight. “Yellowfang and Dewpaw will be bringing battle herbs and waiting nearby to respond to any serious injuries. I expect to hear good news by sunset.” He lashed his white-tipped tail dismissively. “Now go!”

The deputy turned and waved for Darkstripe and Peppermask to follow him, the three leaving through the entrance before the rest of the Clan got themselves in order. Lionheart, Whitestorm and Sandstorm shortly followed them, leaving only the battle party and hunting patrol in camp.

“Stay safe, alright? I can’t…” He turned to see Willowbranch addressing Cinderpaw, whose tail was bushed in excitement. He knew what she had been about to say; having already lost her mate, she couldn’t bear to lose her daughter as well.

“I will Mom, I promise! I’ll bring back that broken tail of Brokentail’s, just you wait!” Her blue eyes were glowing with vicious joy as she spoke, though he could tell that her words only worried her mother more.

Her mentor stepped up beside her, looking almost like a Starclan specter as she sparkled in the leafbare sunlight. “Don’t worry, Willowbranch. I’ll see to it that she returns to you safely.” Mistspring mewed as she touched her nose to the tabby queen’s, before looking down at her apprentice fondly. “I’m sure Starclan themselves will be watching over her today.”

The silver tabby’s eyes softened as she leaned out to receive her sister’s gentle touch. “You’re right. Be safe, both of you.” 

“Come on, you two!” It was Longtail, his namesake twitching impatiently. With one last cheery wave of their tails, Mistspring and Cinderpaw trotted over to join the rest of the battle patrol. Fireheart stifled his nerves as they entered the bramble tunnel, heart already beginning to race at the thought of what laid ahead. For better or worse, they would make sure that Brokentail would never threaten Thunderclan again.

#talonslock #warrior cats #the prophecies begin #fanfic #thunderclan #fireheart #longtail #bluestar #tigerclaw #dustleap #whitestorm #frostfur #goldenflower #darkstripe #dappleshine #patchpelt #speckleflight #cinderpaw #snowkit #mousefur #peppermask #willowbranch #mistspring #lionheart #sandstorm #talonslock story #forest of secrets