The Mooncave
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Sharkstar stood. "Then it is up to us to continue the Clans," he mewed firmly. "There must have been a reason for all of this, and we will find out."
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
"Rowanstar?" Turtlestar chirped, "It's been a long time since I've seen you."
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Rowanstar purred softly. "Turtlestar," he dipped his head. "I'm glad you were able to make it."
Ivorystar's tail flicked, watching as the group of living cats seemed to flicker in the gentle sunlight of SoulClan. "Your time here is growing shorter," she mewed urgently. "We will walk with you, but this journey will not be easy. Each and every one of you will be tested, but remain faithful, and the Clans will prevail."
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Flickerlight shivered. His time with Frostflower was coming to a temporary end. He was filled with the hope that makes you shiver, but also a mix of grief and worry. It was a lot. All he wanted to do was fall asleep in the warmth of his mate, but that couldn't happen. Not now, at least.
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
Tanglepath looked at the shimmering pelts of the SoulClan cats lined up in front of him. Just old ghosts...
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Frostflower had to swallow against the lump in her throat as she nuzzled into her mate's fur. "You'll see me again, Flickerlight. We'll have forever together when you do," she murmured, pressing her nose to his. Beside the pair, Poolstar said goodbye to Dapplestar, an all black tom finally managing to come forward with a matching she-cat beside him.
Poolstar's eyes filled with tears at the sight of her mate and lost kit. Nighthowl nuzzled into her fur, Berryleap doing the same while the FrostClan leader wept, yellow eyes squeezing shut. Nearby, Aurapaw and Mottledsting bid their kin a tearful goodbye, nuzzles behind exchanged while they sniffled.
Hawkpaw looked rapidly between the meadow and his brothers, throat closing while he struggled. "I don't want to say goodbye yet," he gasped, looking to Rabbitpaw.
Nightbrook said goodbye to her parents and brother before joining Rowanscar as he struggled with saying goodbye to his sister, the sandy tabby sniffing as her brother wept softly.
"I don't want to go! Let me stay, mom!" Kitekit wailed and clung to her mother, Kindleflame struggling not to cry while she watched Scorchthicket approach, the deputy gently picking up the crying kit before he returned to Ebonyrose, pressing his forehead to hers. Willowpaw said goodbye to Spiderfrost nearby, who was clearly struggling with leaving her kits a second time. The tortoiseshell apprentice sniffed, leaning against Fallowpaw.
A tearful Autumnsky stepped up to Turtlestar and sighed. "You shouldn't have died," she mewed gently, voice thick with grief.
Driftpaw pressed closer to his mother, sniffling.
Littledawn and Havenkit pressed closer to Seedkit, mother and son alike struggling against tears. Near them, Timberblaze bid his mate and kits goodbye, the tom doing his best to appear strong.
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Crisppaw touched noses with Aurapaw. "You can do it! You gotta catch the best prey for me, okay?" She grinned.
Stormlotus murmured a farewell to Mottledsting. "We will meet again, don't worry." He closed his eyes and pressed against her, then withdrew. "And you can get through this. If anyone can, you can."
- JackStaff
- Posts : 386
Age : 22
Location : ottawa, ontario
Re: The Mooncave
Floralight saw her chance. "Wait! Redstar!" She called, stumbling over to her former mentor. Hesitance made her pause, but she padded closer. Her words caught in her throat. They were about to leave, damnit! She had to say something.. Her throat closed. "Um.." her ears flattened. "I'll miss you," the she-cat finally bit out.
Sunshadow felt their situation finally crash down onto him. He stuck close to Autumnsky, looking up at Turtlestar slightly. His ears flattened before he pressed himself against Peachpaw for comfort.
- DaisyleapForum Overseer
- Posts : 6537
Age : 19
Re: The Mooncave
Melodykit suppressed a sob as she finally realized what was happening. She leaped onto Seedkit, frantically licking him, before turning back and nuzzling herself into Littledawn's chest.
Hawkstep flicked his tail, watching everyone reconnect with a smile. "How are the kits doing?" he asked Brindlestripe while still taking in the last of his divine surroundings.
Redstar stood tall, puffing out her chest as she watched FireClan reconcile with their Clanmates. When Floralight stumbled over, she chuckled and lapped her tongue over the top of her head. "I'll miss you as well, Floralight," she smiled. "You've made into a fine warrior."
Peachpaw felt her throat closing up as SoulClan sent their final words to them. She turned to Sunshadow and frowned, eyes drooping with exhaustion.
Scorpionbite watched everyone with narrowed eyes. Despite her rough exterior, she was genuinely happier after seeing SoulClan and all of her Clanmates who had passed on. She knew now that they were in a safe place, and would guide them all on a safe journey.
Softpetal embraced Dappleshine one last time, taking in her scent and not being able to resist the onset of tears anymore. "I'm really going to miss you." she was able to choke out, voice groggy.
Glasspaw pressed himself gently into Aurapaw and Crisppaw. "Me and mother wish you all the best," he meowed, regaining his strength after seeing all of the family he had lost so happy together. "We love you." he sniffed, dipping his head to his father, Stormlotus as well.
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Larchmask smiled, taking in the reunions of the other cats. He felt a pang in his chest, realizing how alone he was. But at least the others were reunited.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Dappleshine nodded and pressed her nose to Softpetal's. "I'll miss you too, but I'll be watching over you. You and Sunsplash have my best wishes," she mewed softly, purring.
Autumnsky leaned down to nuzzled each of her apprentices. "We'll be alright," she mewed softly.
- JackStaff
- Posts : 386
Age : 22
Location : ottawa, ontario
Re: The Mooncave
Sunshadow looked over his Clan who shared their goodbyes. He couldn't help but feel soured, but shook it off quickly. There was no reason for him to be so selfish. "Yeah. Of course," he murmured back to his mentor, looking away. SoulClan really was beautiful. Shame it had to be ruined by such a tragedy.
Daisypaw nuzzled her brothers tightly. "Hey, become great warriors for me, okay? I love you dummies so much. You better not die such a lame death like me," she joked through her tears, smiling. "Be good for me."
- DaisyleapForum Overseer
- Posts : 6537
Age : 19
Re: The Mooncave
Emberpaw looked down at his paws and frowned. "You taught me really well," he murmured, trying to think of what to say before he left his mentor. "I'll miss you, Softecho."
Redstar shut her eyes solemnly, thinking back to her final days and grimacing. "Trust me, I didn't think it was my time, either," she mewed, reaching down to bump her head softly to Floralight's. "And yes, I watched your ceremony. You're doing a wonderful job," she smiled, eyes twinkling. "I'll always be there to guide you." she left Floralight with those words, turning back to Ivorystar and waiting.
Hawkstep nodded slowly. "We should keep a positive mindset." he meowed, flicking his tail.
Peachpaw purred, shifting on her lame leg. "I hope so," she sighed, thoughts of how the Clans would recover beginning to plague her mind. "But, as long as we stay strong." she looked down at her paws, barely believing her own words.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Tulipsnow yawned as gentle sunlight filtered into the cave from the roof, dappling the pelts of the sleeping cats. She stayed where she was for a second, simply breathing in the mingled scents of the Clan cats around her. "We must stick together," she murmured.
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Basilpaw woke up with a start. He looked around, eyes wide. He had barely gotten to say goodbye...
Flickerlight felt the movement of his kits at his side. His eyes were sticky with sleep. They seemed hungry... Unsure of what to do, the tom looked around. He wished that Frostflower was there, but she was gone. He was painfully aware of it.
- JackStaff
- Posts : 386
Age : 22
Location : ottawa, ontario
Re: The Mooncave
Floralight was about to meow back before she awoke. She reeled back with force, before pursing her lips and steadying herself. She gripped at the pebbles with her claws, standing. They had lots to do.
Cedarpaw woke lightly, immediately looking around for Flamepaw. It was just them now. He shrank slightly at the thought. He was going to protect his brother at all costs.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Scorchthicket woke with a grief filled meow of, "Ebonyrose," his ears flattening to his head while he laid it back on his paws, chest tight with sorrow. Why hadn't he realized how he'd felt sooner? The prophecy echoed through his skull, but all he could think about was how he hadn't saved his former apprentice, how he had left her there and ran.
Kitekit woke next and looked up to Snailnose, gently freeing herself from the WaterClan queen, despite how Laurelkit woke and told her she could stay. The tortoiseshell kit shook her head, paws dragging as she padded a small distance away.
Poolstar woke with a start, yellow eyes flying open as she moved frantically to her paws. Her fur was fluffed, and she glanced rapidly around, relaxing slowly when she saw the still sleeping cats.
Risingscorch opened his eyes slowly, licking his mate's ear and purring softly. He laid his tail over her and looked up, amber eyes flicking from cat to cat, examining each in turn.
Littledawn woke, but refused to move, pressing back closer to Martenstrike while her tail curled tighter around Havenkit and Melodykit. The image of Seedkit lingered in her mind, and she released a muffled sob.
Timberblaze lifted his head, a lingering feeling of his mate's warmth against his side. His kits, his mate... He bowed his head again.
Autumnsky repeated the prophecy beneath her breath. "A shadow within," she muttered, lingering on it and looking to Sharkstar. She heaved herself to her paws and padded over to the leader. "What do you think it means?" She questioned, looking also to the other medicine cats.
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
Martenstrike woke up. He noticed how closely he had scooted to Littledawn in his sleep and stiffened, unsure of whether or not to scoot away.
Hawksky blinked, seeing Tulipsnow's soft creamy white fur and letting out a contented purr.
Fallowpaw's tail bushed out, her eyes shining. "Do you think we'll see them again?" she whispered.
Flamepaw rolled his eyes and scoffed, trying to brush off the claws tearing into his heart at the thought of never seeing his lost brothers again.
Stagstar looked around the cave, blinking at the dim light of dawn peaking through. "We're going to need to find some place to hunt," he muttered.
Snailnose woke up, her legs still aching from yesterday and her heart still heavy with grief.
Marshfeather stood up shakily, blinking to adjust his eyes to the light.
Mapleglow yawned, feeling a pang of hunger in her chest.
Erminepaw shut her eyes tight, trying to savor the picture of her parents in her mind.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Sharkstar shook out his pelt. "I'd rather not focus on the 'shadow within' right now," he mewed, looking around the waking cats. "Stagstar's right, we need to hunt. But we can't stay here."
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
Erminepaw, still curled up on the floor looked to Lichenpaw. "Is your leg feeling okay?" she asked gently.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
- JackStaff
- Posts : 386
Age : 22
Location : ottawa, ontario
Re: The Mooncave
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Brindlestripe stood and stretched. She looked down at Hawkstep, who was still asleep. She considered waking him up, but decided to let him sleep. SoulClan knew he needed it. Instead, she scanned the group. It didn't seem that anyone was forming a patrol yet, so she waited and settled back down.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Littledawn had stopped Kitekit in her pacing, and the DuskClan kit accepted the offer to curl up with Havenkit and Melodykit, exhausted even after her long sleep.
Autumnsky glanced out, ears pinned to her head. "Whatever we decide to do, we should do it soon," she mewed, shaking her head.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Plumdrop, watching the conversation, padded forward. "Before it was raining last night I could see the Twolegplace was mostly untouched," she mewed, flicking an ear. "Perhaps we could head in that direction?"
"Twolegs?" Finchstar scoffed softly. "They bumble around like badger kits with their eyes shut, we'd be squashed."
- DaisyleapForum Overseer
- Posts : 6537
Age : 19
Re: The Mooncave
Emberpaw woke with a yawn, frowning at how different the Mooncave looked from his glistening, starry dream. He turned to Fallowpaw and Willowpaw, flicking his tail. "We'll see them again," he mewed softly in response to Fallowpaw's whisper, although he had trouble believing it himself. "But what could that prophecy mean?" he rose to his paws and watched the leaders and medicine cats discuss.
Hawkstep pricked his ears at the sound of shuffling next to him, and opened his eyes to see Brindlestripe. "SoulClan," he gaped, scanning his Clanmates slowly rising from their makeshift nests. "What does this mean?" he breathed, slowly getting to his paws and brushing his tail against Brindlestripe's stomach. He silently prayed that his kits could still have a proper delivery, and that they would all be healthy.
Melodykit woke with a start, immediately leaping to her paws and twirling around. Her usually shining eyes drooped heavily when she didn't see Seedkit. "Mama," she prodded Littledawn, only offering a glance to Kitekit, who had a remarkable different scent. "What's going on?"
Peachpaw had woken a bit earlier, while everyone else was still asleep. She shifted on her lame leg and grimaced every time she put too much weight on it. "Sunshadow.." she whispered, only angry at herself for not being able to get up and help her Clanmates during such tragic times.
Scorpionbite yawned, turning and widening her eyes at the sight of Spiderleap next to her. She curled her lip for a moment, before prodding him gently. "Hey," she hissed quietly, trying not to put too much of an edge in her voice. "Are you okay?"
Cricketsong blinked her eyes open to see many of her Clanmates already awake and discussing what to do next. She immediately leaped to her paws and padded over to Stagstar. At Plumdrop's suggestion, she made an audible hm. "It's still fairly early," she offered, clearing her throat. "I'm sure Twolegs wouldn't be too far from their homes, especially since it was raining so much."
Softpetal stretched out her legs, turning and lapping her tongue over Sunsplash's forehead. "Wake up, sleepy-head," she purred, trying not to think about Dappleshine too much. She had to focus on the present now, and helping everyone adjust to this new journey. "I think we're leaving the Mooncave today."
Glasspaw flattened his ears as voices began to fill the Mooncave, and he turned to press his face into Glowingstride's side. "I'm tired." he mumbled into her fur, curling up into a tighter ball and trying to block out the voices of everyone talking.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Finchstar's tail flicked. "I'm still not convinced, but you did live closer to them than we did. What do you think, Stagstar?" He looked at the new leader, a little intimidated. I've been leader longer, he tried to convince himself. I know what's best for my Clan.
Lichenpaw stretched and sighed. "Yeah, better. I think Lupinfrost fixed it for me." She wiggled her paw, purring but with a sad edge to her tone. "I'm gonna miss him."
Tulipsnow nudged Hawksky gently. "Wake up," she murmured. "I think they're sending out a hunting patrol."
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
"I think we should head out," Tanglepath mewed, twitching his ear. "I'm not sure how safe we are in here anymore."
"Wh-? Huh?" Hawksky mumbled, rising shakily to his paws.
Martenstrike looked to the kitten then to Littledawn. "You sure? One of the other queens might be able to take 'em."
"Me too," Erminepaw sighed.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Poolstar looked from Autumnsky to the other leaders, ears pinned back. "How long do we actually know the Mooncave will last? I can't, in good conscience, leave kits and elders here if there's a risk of flooding or a collapse."
Littledawn shook her head and looked to Martenstrike. "She reminds me of Seedkit, and she lost her whole family. I lost a kit. It feels almost like it's supposed to be me taking care of her," she meowed softly, watching as Kitekit curled up further between Melodykit and Havenkit. "At least until we're settled down somewhere more permanent."
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Brindlestripe shook her head. "I don't know... But it's big, and I don't know if the clans are ready." She closed her eyes as if she was trying to forget, to go back to when FireClan was whole.
Larchmask finished his grooming and sat up to watch the discussion. He was just barely far enough to have trouble, but he heard bits about the Twolegplace. His fur involuntarily bristled at the thought of travelling through the stink and noise of the twolegs' territory. But if that was what it took to survive, then he would do it.
Flickerlight looked back down at the whimpering kits. He had no idea what to do. "Uh... SoulClan help me!" He exclaimed. The tom had a new respect for the queens. This was a lot, especially without his mate. Licking each one between their ears, Flickerlight's thoughts raced. What would Frostflower do?
Basilpaw shivered and prodded his brother in the shoulder. "Sootpaw, wake up! The leaders are talking, and I heard something about the Mooncave flooding!" He had been paying half the attention he should have, and his long fur was barely kept lying flat. "And scouting," he added.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Plumdrop glanced at the young warrior, eyes narrowing. "How would you know?"
He flattened his ears. "I explored a lot as an apprentice."
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
Mapleglow padded towards Flickerlight, sensing the tom's distress. "I could help you take care of them," she offered.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Willowpaw sat back down by Fallowpaw, eyes fixed onto her paws. "I miss Spiderfrost," she mewed to her sister, curling her tail tightly round her paws. "And Hickoryshadow."
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Leopardspots wrote:Stagstar rolled his eyes at the young warrior. "Do you think it's safe for us to shelter there?" he asked.
Glidefeather nodded. "There's plenty of prey too. And a few kittypets, but we can deal with them." He felt his chest puff in pride, happy to be able to contribute.
Finchstar rolled his eyes. "I guess it's best we move on, then. SoulClan seems to think there's new territory for us, why wouldn't it be close by?"
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Quartzshine, seeing Sharkstar about to speak, sat down and watched. He decided to wait to speak with Poolstar about gathering herbs.
- LeopardspotsForum Storyteller
- Posts : 7726
Age : 22
Re: The Mooncave
Stagstar flicked his ear. Should I think about appointing a deputy? It was well past moonhigh, but normal rules didn't seem to apply so much anymore.
Marshfeather looked up at Sharkstar, tilting his head curiously at the young leader.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Tulipsnow looked up, surprised to see one of the new leaders so brave.
Though the WaterClan leader's voice was the one that rung around the Mooncave, Plumdrop glanced towards Stagstar before settling down and waiting expectantly.
Glidefeather did the same, though his fur still rippled with excitement like he'd been shocked by lightning.
- DaisyleapForum Overseer
- Posts : 6537
Age : 19
Re: The Mooncave
Scorpionbite prodded Spiderleap with her paw, flicking her tail. "Clan meeting," she whispered, hating to admit it but growing to enjoy the tom's company. "I think Sharktooth," she paused, shaking her head. "Sharkstar, is going to appoint a deputy."
Cricketsong smiled to Plumdrop before carefully settling next to her, wrapping her tail tightly around her paws. She squinted up at the new WaterClan leader, still wary about placing her trust in anyone other than Snowystar, and now her brother.
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
- JackStaff
- Posts : 386
Age : 22
Location : ottawa, ontario
Re: The Mooncave
Spiderleap unconsciously leaned into Scorpionbite, mind still wandering. He was startled out of his stupor at her question, ducking his head in embarrassment and curling his tail lightly. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine..." he whispered. "I, um," there was a slight pause as he gathered his words. Why did he have to be so tongue-twisted? "Sorry. Uh, deputy?" Immediately, the image of his mother flashed through his mind again. His ears flattened a fraction. "Wonder who it'll be..." Relief flooded through him at his sister's arrival, and he briefly touched his nose to her shoulder before looking up at the new leader.
Sunshadow aimlessly followed Peachpaw, rubbing at his eyes with his paw lightly.
- WillowstormHead Admin/Creator
- Posts : 16423
Age : 25
Location : Hobbiton
Re: The Mooncave
Sharkstar waited until the cats had all settled, looking around. "I know this has been a hard time for you all," he mewed, surprising himself with how steady his voice was. "This is only the beginning of a great journey, and we will do all we can to keep the Clans alive. Before we set out I'd like to appoint a deputy to WaterClan, just in case...something happens. So, I say these words before SoulClan, so that the spirits of our ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. By Turtlestar's blessing, the new deputy of WaterClan will be Rosefeather." He looked to the she-cat, daughter of two great leaders, purring softly.
- FeatherRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 2973
Age : 520
Location : America
Re: The Mooncave
Poolstar purred, remembering back rather fondly to when the news of Turtlestar's, then Turtlesplash, kits being born was announced at the gathering. She didn't know much about Rosefeather, but she trusted Sharkstar's choice.
- MetziRidiculously Awesome Supporter
- Posts : 1267
Age : 20
Location : good ol' ohio
Re: The Mooncave
Larchmask purred, seeing the young deputy. He could see her shock, but also her excitement. He wished he were that young again, but pushed away the thought.
Quartzshine barely held in a gasp. That cat was barely older than him! How could such a young cat help lead a clan? He couldn't help but let his ur bristle. But Quartzshine realized that not only was Sharkstar a leader and of a different clan, but these were hard times. A young cat would be needed.
Basilpaw opened his eyes. The scent of his family almost lingered, but he lost it too soon. The apprentice also sat and busied his nose in Sootpaw's fur, whimpering. "I miss them," he murmured, still half-asleep and unaware of Sharkstar.
|
|