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#warrior cats fanfic
trinitywc · 8 months
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“The Light will bring danger, you must stay in the shadows to find your way home”
The Clan cats have survived the Great Light, but, scattered and displaced, they now must find their way home- with or without their ancestors guidance.
Burdened with guilt, Pinefrost must keep the last remaining member of her Clan alive. Leafbare is closing in, and the journey across Twolegplace is fraught with danger; when a mysterious guide promises to lead the Clan cats across the river, Pinefrost finds herself confronting her past, and her future- find and reunite her shattered Clan, or run away with a stranger who promises her adventure and acceptance?
TL;DR Pinefrost, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying, and Love the Nuclear War
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wclovewhatismortal · 4 months
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What if Starclan wasn't as safe as everyone thought? What if something dark lingered within the starlight?
Warrior Cats: Love What is Mortal is a mystery, alternate-universe, Whodunnit? fanfiction story that takes place inside of Starclan and the Place of No Stars. It follows the dual-protagonists of Sorreltail and Hollyleaf as they struggle to unravel a dangerous web of lies and deceit, before it's too late.
It's been a year since the completion of the story, so I decided to do something special and get this comic done for it. Credit to the incredibly talented panthera.arven on Instragram, whose artstyle you may recognize if you're an existing reader. As always, story banner credit to cinnabarlab!
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rushwingtales · 4 months
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If Hollyleaf survived
Dovewing's Silence:
- Hollyleaf's encounter with Hawkfrost goes mostly the same: She's badly injured and gets dragged to Thunderclan camp by Ivypool. She forgives Squirrelflight and Leafpool, assuming that she's going to die. As she becomes unconscious, Jayfeather refuses to give up on her, working on her wound throughout the night. As her brother is on the verge of fainting, Hollyleaf becomes stable and wakes up after a few days. As a consequence of Jayfeather not being available to check on other patients, Cloudtail dies of an infected wound.
- While recovering, Hollyleaf spends a long time speaking to Leafpool and Squirrelflight. Finally, Hollyleaf asks for her mother's reasoning for keeping her birth secret. Hollyleaf asks if she should publicly admit to the death berry incident, but Leafpool declines. Her mother says a public outrage won't help, citing the Gathering where Hollyleaf revealed the secret. Instead, Leafpool wants them to learn to understand and forgive each other, by slowly building their relationship up. Millie becomes guilt-ridden seeing these interactions and kicks start her own reconciliation with Blossomfall.
- Hollyleaf has a moment with Dovewing. The grey she-cat blurts she worried that she replaced Hollyleaf and her brothers resent her for it. Hollyleaf said she can't speak for her brothers, but Hollyleaf assures she doesn't blame Dovewing and she proved herself unworthy due to her crimes. When Dovewing admits to the three losing their powers, Hollyleaf says it could be better in the long term. The three will no longer be expected to be the main protectors of the Clans and they can settle into a more casual life.
- Ivypool is grateful that Hollyleaf saved her and wants to form a friendship with her. The two she-cats mutually bond over their similar circumstances. Hollyleaf suggests to Ivypool, that not being a part of the prophecy, could be a blessing in disguise. Hollyleaf had witnessed first-hand, the expectations that prophecy cats can put on themselves. The black she-cat wonders if she hadn't mistaken herself as the third cat, for so long, perhaps her fragile ego wouldn't have cracked under Ashfur's influence.
- Hollyleaf encourages all the trainees to redeem themselves, despite how hard it seems. However, since Hollyleaf is being asked to make all these speeches about redemption, it makes her realise she's still got a long way to go. Her nightmares about Ashfur's murder return and she wonders if she needs to go into self-exile again, to continue her atonement. Since she passed on her underground fighting skills, Thunderclan didn't seem to need her so was she staying out of her own selfishness? Jayfeather snaps her out of it: Pointing her out her family wants her here and leaving again, would hurt them more.
Bramblestar's Storm:
-After Jayfeather makes her promise to stay indefinitely, Hollyleaf needs to regain normalcy with her family. In the tunnels, she expected to die young and didn't see a future for herself. While her grand gestures of atonement are important, she needs to consider the everyday too. At first, she can be overly serious and isolate herself. But she learns to open up and have fun around her brothers over time. There are glimpses of a simpler time before it became so messy.
-Hollyleaf reaffirms her connection with Bramblestar. At one point, he pulls his adopted daughter aside. He recalls how her brothers already heard this, but she never got the chance after the tunnel collapsed. He promises his heart will be open to her but he understands if it's too awkward to consider him a father. Either way, he will respect whatever Hollyleaf chooses. The black she-cat snorts, saying she would never choose Crowfeather over him. Bramblestar winces, wondering if it should be obvious.
-Hollyleaf asks why Bramblestar lied about Ashfur accidentally slipping into the stream. He admits he panicked slightly and thought she'd been in self-exile for long enough. Hollyleaf acknowledges how he risked his ranking for her, but she must be judged alone and not use her family connections to gain an advantage. At that point, Hollyleaf's clanmates had figured out Ashfur's death was purposeful. Most cats didn't particularly care after discovering Ashfur's crimes, only judging Hollyleaf for not trusting Firestar to uphold justice.
-Bramblestar asks if Hollyleaf still has her childhood dream of being a leader. He remembered how she followed him as a kit and said she'd become like him. The black she-cat declines, saying she can't trust herself with that power. Hollyleaf feels sorry for her younger self and doesn't grow into the cat she expected to be.
-When Squirrelflight announces she's pregnant, Hollyleaf is overjoyed. After a while, her mother noticed slight doubt on her face. Being told to be honest, Hollyleaf admits she has irrational feelings of being replaced. Squirrelflight ensures her emotions are only natural after the trauma she suffered through. She ensures they can work through them as mother and daughter.
Crowfeather's Trial:
- Hollyleaf would see the similarities between herself and Breezepelt. Additionally, as the one to expose the secret, she feels somewhat responsible for Breezepelt. Therefore, she feels obligated to set the record straight with him. She details how she killed Ashfur to Breezepelt and the two help each other realise where they went wrong. Crowfeather is shocked about Hollyleaf's crimes, feeling even more of a failure of a father.
- When he realises Hollyleaf is already reconciling with Leafpool, he feels pressure to speed things along with Breezpelt. Besides helping Breezepelt's redemption, Hollyleaf feels wrong to have a long-term friendship with him, due to Jayfeather's discomfort. She wishes Breezepelt the best but says it's best to live their separate lives, as they did before the secret's exposure. While this is all going on, Nightcloud refused to speak to Hollyleaf at all, blaming her for telling the secret. After Crowfeather's Trial, Breezepelt would go on, to make serval hypocritical statements: calling Kin defectors and Squirrelflight traitors. Hollyleaf would glare at him in disbelief, wondering how he could be so unaware.
- There's a moment, where Hollyleaf wonders in on Leafpool and Crowfeather speaking at the border. The mother and daughter thinks it's his right to know and Hollyleaf confesses the death berry incident to him. Crowfeather flinches, wondering how he'd feel if Breezepelt tried to kill him directly, instead of his half-siblings. Hollyleaf states her actions overshadow anything her parents did against her. So she says Crowfeather should be forgiving her, not the other way around. Crowfeather says only the victim, Leafpool, can decide if she deserves forgiveness or not. Crowfeather says it's impossble not to feel some disgust at Hollyleaf's crime; but he'll react to it as a fellow warrior, not as a father, as he never earnt being called her 'father'.
A Vision of Shadows:
- Hollyleaf is working hard to be a good daughter to Leafpool and Squirrelflight. She'll go out of her way, to do helpful things like replacing their nests or collecting herbs. She can be overly polite around them, thinking they've been criticised too much already. This annoys Squirrelflight, as she knows her daughter is natrually headstrong and says she should have the guts to be herself. The black she-cat would be the middle point between her two brothers: Jayfeather has unresolved feelings, while Lionblaze has let go of the past. Hollyleaf tries to get along with her mothers, but there would always be the occasional awkwardness, not forgetting the past.
- Hollyleaf is struggling to find her place in the Clan. She doesn't want to get involved in too many battles, fearful she could kill again. Additionally, she doesn't want any authority she could potentially abuse. She asks Bramblestar to never consider her for deputyship and vows she'll never return as a Medicine cat apprentice. For a while, she tries training under Daisy as a permanent queen. Though she learns the position isn't right for her, not having the patience for so many kits.
-When Leafstar creates the mediator rank for Tree, it sparks her interest. It could let her avoid hurting others and the job requires memorization of the code, which she already has. She works with Tree, to become Thunderclan's first mediator. This inspires the remaining Clans to train their own mediators. For Shadowclan, Strikestone steps up as he blames warrior life for his loved ones' deaths. Icewing becomes Riverclan's mediator to repent for her Dark Forest training. Finally, Heathertail volunteers due to her caring nature and experience with angry toms.
- Hollyleaf helps to raise Sparkpelt and Alderheart, while Squirrelflight grieves for her lost kits. Out of her litter, she would be the closest to her adoptive siblings. Hollyleaf is quite protective of Alderheart, reminding her of Jayfeather when he was a weak kit. She likes to ensure that Jayfeather isn't too harsh on his apprentice, reminding him of their parallels. Hollyleaf and Sparkpelt are the most alike, with Sparkpelt claiming she's a "mini-me" of Hollyleaf. The two even become mentor and apprentice, at Sparkpelt's request. Hollyleaf is determined not to disappoint Sparkpelt - She can waver between being strict and soft-spoken, as she desperately tries to get the balance right. Even after her warrior ceremony, Hollyleaf assures Sparkpelt that she can always ask for advice.
- Hollyleaf has some moments in the Darktail and Onestar conflict. When Onestar compares his situation to Hollyleaf and Breezepelt on the possibility of convincing Darktail to stop - The black she-cat dismisses it, saying Darktail is truly too far gone. Hollyleaf encourages Onestar to fix his past mistakes, but he needs to be prepared to make the hard choices if he goes down that road.
Squirrelflight's Hope:
- As a mediator, Hollyleaf joins Tree in his missions, to negotiate with the Sisters peacefully. Due to her past, Hollyleaf doesn't feel like it's her place, to assume she knows better than the Clans. So Hollyleaf feels compelled to act in an offical capacity. So when Squirrelflight starts going against Bramblestar's orders, Holyleaf can't trust herself to join her mother. She simply says to Squirrelflight, 'I hope you know what you're doing'. Though when the Sisters are driven out of their camp, Hollyleaf can't stand aside at that point. She helps evacuate the sisters' kits, including helping with Moonlight's birth.
- As Squirrelflight and Bramblestar argue over their politics: Hollyleaf feels it would be nepotism if she used her position as their daughter, to voice her own politcal opinions to them. Instead, as a mediator, Hollyleaf sets up a meeting in a calm setting, for Squirrelflight and Bramblestar to have a proper heart-to-heart. Also, Hollyleaf acts as a middle-man for other family members: She asks Tawnypelt, to start supporting Bramblestar with his relationship struggles. Then Hollyleaf relays Sparkpelt's story, of her panicking due to her parents aruging.
- When Leafpool dies, Hollyleaf blurts she wishes she'd taken her place. Though Squirrelflight counters that Leafpool wants Hollyleaf to be happy and she needs to live on, for her sake. Hollyleaf and Jayfeather spend more time together, due to their shared grief.
Broken Code:
- When "Bramblestar" first starts his code-breaking agenda, he questions why Hollyleaf isn't more happy about it, considering her old dedication to it. Hollyleaf utters she can't let her dangerous obsession resurface. She states that as a mediator now, she must be able to see the warrior code critically. She gets suspicious of "Bramblestar", noticing he's never cared so much about the code before. She warns him about how that type of obsession can be all-consuming.
-Hollyleaf is the first cat to be exiled, due to her criticisms of "Bramblestar". She attempted to gather the mediators from the other Clans and convince him to stop his cruelty.
- When she discovers Ashfur's identity, she makes it her personal mission to defeat him. Though Hollyleaf refuses to join the rebels, saying she won't fight against anyone else, not even the Imposter's supporters. She swore she wouldn't kill anyone else. Her sole target is Ashfur. Instead, the mediators create a refugee camp for the Imposter's exiles. They guard the most vulnerable while others fight their fellow Clan cats.
-Hollyleaf is shocked when Lionblaze kills Harstar, dragging him off his victim. When he is appointed deputy, she tries to voice her concerns about his bad headspace. However, she is outnumbered, so she is forced to accept it.
-Hollyleaf volunteers to enter the Dark Forest, thinking innocent cats shouldn't need to sacrifice themselves. She briefly encounters Stonefur in Starclan. He recounts his execution and says it was truly sad to see another Half-Clan internalise that hatred. Holyleaf promises she'll make the younger generations less biased towards Half-Clan cats.
- Ashfur taunts Hollyleaf for her hypocrisy for killing him and leaking her parentage anyway. She responds it was wrong for her to take justice into her own hands, when she killed Ashfur alone. But at the same time, Ashfur shouldn't have expected to go scot-free, considering his own crimes. Ashfur is bitter that Hollyleaf got to live on, when he didn't, claiming she's as bad as him. Hollyleaf remains realistic, acknowledging she's a killer, but affirms that Ashfur's crimes vastly outweigh hers by now. She hits Ashfur to his core when she says he's in the same leagues as Tigerstar.
-Hollyleaf feels incredibly guilty when Bristlefrost dies, feeling like she failed her friend Ivypool.
- When Ashfur is cornered, he plays his trump card against Hollyleaf. He exposes Hollyleaf as Leafpool's attempted murderer. The black she-cat was shocked since Leafpool wanted to keep it between them. Even after Ashfur fades away, the damage of Hollyleaf's exposure is left. Though her family understood why Leafpool herself chose to keep it a secret, they still felt betrayed. They weren't surprised due to Hollyleaf's other crimes but it was still disappointing. Some loved ones take a while before they can speak to her again. Meanwhile Hollyleaf's more distant relatives, like Lionblaze's kits, refuse to acknowledge their kinship with her.
- When real Bramblestar returns, he decides it's pointless to exile her again since it's been so long and she's already punished herself that way. Instead, Bramblestar explains that many warriors feel unsafe, sharing their den with a killer. He thinks it's unfair to force them to compromise. Bramblestar allows Hollyleaf to remain in Thunderclan, but she must have her own isolated den, outside of the camp boundaries. She can return to camp to receive assignments, but she just can't sleep there anymore. As for other permanent consequences, she's banned from Gatherings and mentorship.
Starless Clan:
- Hollyleaf supports the warrior code changing, arguing that some rules do more damage than good. She points to her broken family, saying it could've been avoided with proper protocols. She says good mothers like Leafpool are unfairly forced to give up their kits and branded traitors.
- Hollyleaf fosters Flinchkit and Flamekit while Sparkpelt grieves. Flamepaw comes to see Hollyleaf as a mother figure. Sorrelstripe still nurses them but she's more hands-off, wanting to give Hollyleaf space to bond with Flamekit. Flamepaw has a mostly good relationship with Hollyleaf, much better than Sparkpelt. However, he has underlying doubts about her, knowing her murderous past. He is aware that Hollyleaf is the black sheep of the family and fears he might be the same. He knows he gets the occasional worried looks from his clanmates for being so close to Hollyleaf. Sometimes, he has overdramatic fears that he'll hurt Sparkpelt, as Hollyleaf did to Leafpool, artificially drawing comparisons between them.
-When Flamepaw struggles to find his place, Hollyleaf wants to help her nephew. She suggests the mediators could train him to become her successor. However, he shuts her down. He says Hollyleaf is doing the very thing he's trying to avoid: Using nepotism to get a special ranking. Hollyleaf claims mediators aren't glorious, and distrust is still aimed towards them. Though Flamepaw refuses to humor the idea further.
-Nightheart becomes bitter at Hollyleaf's choice to raise him. He argues that their clanmates look at him strangely because the resident murderer decided to get close to him. Hollyleaf mutters she was trying to help Sparkpelt, but Nightheart isn't fully convinced. He says her past makes her unfit to be a foster parent, and she shouldn't use kits to reconcile her own guilt. While Nightheart's words were excessive, Hollyleaf knew he was partly telling the truth.
-Alongside Tree, Hollyeaf tries to convince Tigerstar to leave Riverclan alone. They partly succeed, as Shadowclan warriors are slowly withdrawn from Riverclan camp.
-On one occasion, Hollyleaf overhears Berryheart trying to guilt-trip Sunbeam into abandoning Nightheart. Reacting to this slander against Half-Clan families, Hollyleaf gets into a brief fight with Berryheart.
-After Nightheart matures, he believes he was too harsh towards Hollyleaf. So the next time he sees her, he apologises. The black she-cat admits she should give her nephew space and rethink how her reputation could affect her loved ones.
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mothdapple · 4 months
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My ideal Squirrelstar nine lives ceremony
I sorta wanted to write out this scene since we didn't get to see it in the books, but I also sorta didn't want to completely commit to writing it since I'm feeling lazy lol. So this is choppier and more unpolished than my usual writing.
I did at least put a decent amount of thought into life attributes which were both appropriate for Squirrelflight (highlighting her strengths or something that she should work on) and thematically appropriate for the cats giving them.
1. Firestar: Love.
The first cat that stepped out of the crowd of spirits had a familiar fiery orange pelt. Squirrelflight purred, feeling like a kit again as she tucked her head under her father’s chin.
“Firestar,” she murmured. “It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s wonderful to see you too,” Firestar said, pulling his head back.
He blinked down at her, a gentle look in his bright green eyes. “Are you ready for your first life?”
Squirrelflight inhaled deeply, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin. “I am.”
Firestar purred. “My daughter, nothing brings me more joy or pride than passing the Clan that was once my ward into your capable paws. Cherish it and love it as I love you, and you love your family in return.” He dipped his head, touching his nose to hers. “I give you this life for love.”
2. Sandstorm: Strength/energy.
A pale ginger figure joined them before Firestar had even stepped back. Squirrelflight purred loudly in greeting as Sandstorm brushed her pelt against hers, purring and twining around her.
“Hi Mom," Squirrelflight said. "I've missed you too."
"Hello, Squirrelflight," Sandstorm said as she pulled away to face her. "You always surprised me when you were a kit, but you continue to defy expectations even now."
Squirrelflight's whiskers twitched in amusement. "And, that's a good thing...?"
Sandstorm arched a brow.
"I suppose that depends on your perspective," she said, lightly teasing. "All I can tell you is my own: by the time I was your age, my bones were tired, and I’d already become an elder. Now I know you’ve always had more energy than me, Squirrelflight— more energy than most cats in fact! But, you’ll need that vigor now more than ever as you become ThunderClan’s leader."
Sandstorm leaned forward to press her muzzle to hers, and Squirrelflight noticed a spark of ferocity in her mother's eyes. "With this life, I give you that strength.”
3. Dustpelt: Mentorship.
Dustpelt strode towards her, his chin held high. Squirrelflight blinked fondly at her old mentor.
"It's also good to see you," she said as he reached her.
Dustpelt just inclined his head in response.
"Squirrelflight," he said, not wasting time on frivolous greetings. “With this life, I give you mentorship. Use it to guide your Clan wisely—” Dustpelt shot her a knowing look, “—even when it’s acting like an unruly apprentice.”
Squirrelflight mrrowed with laughter. She was still purring even as he touched his nose to hers, and the life flooded through her.
4. Feathertail: Perspective.
Squirrelflight purred at the sight of her old friend.
"Feathertail," she said as she reached her. "It's been far too long."
Feathertail blinked at her fondly. "It has, hasn't it? You've accomplished so much since we last saw each other."
Squirrelflight's belly twisted in an old grief.
"But you should have been there to accomplish it too," she murmured.
Feathertail shook her head.
"I've long since come to terms with the lot I had in my life," she said. "At least my death helped you all finish the journey and led to where you are now. Are you ready for your next life?"
Squirrelflight nodded. Feathertail dipped her silver and black striped head to gently touch her nose to Squirrelflight's.
“I give this life for perspective," she said. "It’s easy for Clan cats to see everything from their narrow point-of-view: what’s best for me or for ThunderClan. But you and I have seen more of this world than most during our adventures, and we know it pays to be compassionate, even to those foreign to us. None of us are really so different from each other."
5. Shrewpaw: Foresight.
Squirrelflight purred to see her friend from apprentice-hood approach next. "Hello, Shrewpaw."
Shrewpaw's gaze glinted with amusement as he looked at her.
"I always knew you were going to end up being important one day," he teased. "You're way too bossy, stubborn, and full of yourself to not to."
"Hey!" Squirrelflight said in mock offense. "You better watch yourself! You know, this is the almost-leader of ThunderClan you're talking to."
He tilted his head to the side, a challenge in his expression.
"But you're no true leader without StarClan-given lives, and I'm here with a life for you... so..."
Squirrelflight's eyes narrowed. "Are you holding this life over me?"
Shrewpaw's whiskers quivered in amusement, but he licked his paw in a show of disinterest and drew it over his face. "Maybe."
"You fox-heart," Squirrelflight said, but she wasn't able to swallow back her purrs.
"Mouse-brain," Shrewpaw fired back.
He finally closed the last few tail-lengths of distance between them, his expression growing solemn.
"Are you ready for your next life?" he asked.
Squirrelflight nodded, and Shrewpaw touched his muzzle to hers.
“You and I got into a lot of mischief when we were young with our impulsive, mouse-brained decisions," he said softly. "But, with a whole Clan relying on you, it pays to be thoughtful. I give you this life for foresight.”
His life flowed into her, sweeping her into a vision. Her belly was cramped in hunger as she streaked after a massive bird. There was just one thought in her mind: I need to catch it. I need to catch it.
She was so focused on the bird, she didn't even see the monster coming. One bolt of agony laced through her entire body, and then there was only numbness.
Squirrelflight blinked out of the vision, horror prickling her fur.
I just watched the last moments of Shrewpaw's life.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Shrewpaw shook his head. "Don't be. Just don't repeat my mistakes."
Shrewpaw began to pad away. “Remember to look before you leap, alright?” he added from over his shoulder.
“I’ll do my best,” Squirrelflight murmured.
6. Purdy: Patience.
An old brown tom ambled out of the crowd. The friendly look on his face eased some the pain of the life given by Shrewpaw.
"How are ya feelin'?" Purdy asked, gazing at Squirrelflight in concern.
Squirrelflight cleared her throat.
"I'm hanging in there," she rasped.
Purdy nodded.
"You're more than halfway done!" he encouraged. "Are you ready now for my life?"
Squirrelflight braced herself. "Yes."
Purdy touched his nose to hers.
“With this life, I give you patience.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “It can sometimes be as challenging and frustrating to lead a Clan as it is to guide a group of hot-headed warriors through a twolegplace. But, have patience for ThunderClan during the challenging times.”
7. Dandelionkit and Juniperkit: Wonder.
"Mom! Mom!"
The voices immediately yanked at Squirrelflight's attention. A pair of kits were sprinting towards her. A painful rush of joy and grief flooded through Squirrelflight's body. A purr bursting from her throat, she ran forward to meet them. She rasped her tongue over Dandelionkit's and Juniperkit's faces as they circled around her paws.
"My kits," Squirrelflight purred. "My sweet babies. Oh, I've missed you."
"We missed you too!" Dandelionkit said, burying her face in her belly fur.
"But, we know why you had to go back," Juniperkit said, blinking up at her. "And, now you're going to be ThunderClan's leader!"
"And, we get to give you a life!" Dandelionkit squeaked, bouncing with excitement.
"Are you ready?" Juniperkit asked, his little head tilting to the side.
"Yes, of course," Squirrelflight said softly.
She crouched so Juniperkit and Dandelionkit were able to both press their muzzles to her head.
“We give you a life for wonder. Being a leader won’t always be easy,” Juniperkit said, his young voice filled with a wisdom beyond his moons. “But when things are hard, do not forget the blessings within and around you and our Clanmates.”
Dandelionkit blinked at her, a sparkle in her green eyes. “Instead, try looking at the world from a perspective of a kit, and reminding yourself of all the amazing things out there, be it a juicy mouse or the first blossom of newleaf!”
8. Hollyleaf: Forgiveness.
A shadow slipped from the crowd of starry warriors.
"Hi Squirrelflight," she said in a small voice.
"Hollyleaf," Squirrelflight breathed.
Every hair on her pelt ached as it had with Dandelionkit and Juniperkit. She wanted to rush to Hollyleaf as she'd done with them and cover her face in licks, but Squirrelflight stilled her paws. She didn't know if Hollyleaf would appreciate such a gesture.
There was so much still unresolved between them. The time during which Hollyleaf had returned to ThunderClan after the secret reveal had been so brief, and Squirrelflight's time with her in StarClan after she'd been badly injured had been even shorter. A part of Squirrelflight still didn't know where she stood in the eyes of her adoptive daughter.
But, Hollyleaf seemed to be almost equally as unsure of her, since she hung back instead of approaching right away as the other StarClan cats had.
"I need to ask, because I wasn't sure..." Hollyleaf murmured, shuffling her paws awkwardly. "I mean... Do you want me to be the one who gives your next life?"
"Of course!" Squirrelflight exclaimed, her ears angling back at the implication otherwise.
Hollyleaf dipped her head, staring down at her paws.
“Very well then," she said in a low voice. She breathed in deeply. "With this life, I give you forgiveness. I was hurting in the last few moons I was alive, but the way I acted wasn’t right. It only served to hurt myself, you, and the rest of our family— the cats who I care about the most. Do not do as I did and allow anger and stubbornness to blind you when you feel wronged. Instead forgive, and learn to ask for forgiveness in return.”
Hollyleaf finally lifted her gaze to blink at her, a seasons-old grief and regret swimming in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mom.”
Squirrelflight inhaled sharply, her chest aching.
“There is nothing to forgive,” she whispered. “I love you so much, Hollyleaf. No matter what, you will always be my daughter.”
A rough purr rumbling in her throat, Hollyleaf finally stepped forward, pressing her face to hers. As they rubbed their cheeks and temples together, the life roared through Squirrelflight like a hurricane.
9. Leafpool: Unshakable Morals.
Finally, a small brown tabby padded out from the crowd. Squirrelflight’s heart swelled with love as she watched her sister approach her.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she murmured.
Leafpool’s face was full of affection as she looked at her, but there was also a steely glint of certainty in her eyes.
“I have too,” Leafpool said. “But my journey was over. Yours, though, is still continuing, and there is so much good left for you do for ThunderClan as its leader.”
Leafpool touched her nose to hers, her amber eyes staring deeply into Squirrelflight’s green. “I give you your final life for unshakable morals. You’re a wonderful cat, Squirrelflight, and an even better sister. You’ve always done what you believe is right, no matter what anyone else thought. Never let anyone or anything corrupt your ability to follow your heart.”
Squirrelflight closed her eyes, drinking in her sister’s blessing eagerly, even though she knew like the others, this life would come with pain.
She was swept into a vision. Flashes of their life together, from kit-hood to apprenticeship, flickered rapidly before Squirrelflight. She saw herself leaving with Brambleclaw on the journey, sadness pressing heavy on Leafpaw. Then she saw them reuniting, joy as brilliant as the sun rushing through Leafpaw. Until finally, from Leafpool’s eyes, she saw her giving three little kits over to Squirrelflight. Pain clawed at Leafpool's heart but alongside it, determination that they were doing the right thing.
In the visions, those kits grew up into noble cats that she was so proud of even now, and Squirrelflight still knew that they had made the right choice. Even after all the turmoil it caused in their lives, even after StarClan themselves had put them on trial for it— she and her sister had done their best with what they knew at the time to give those three innocent, little kits the best lives they could.
As the visions at last faded, Squirrelflight’s eyes opened to see that Leafpool’s muzzle was still pressed to hers.
“I don’t regret a thing,” Leafpool whispered.
Squirrelflight’s purr was thick with emotion as she responded. “Me neither.”
Leafpool purred too, and finally, she stepped back, lifting her chin.
“I hail you by your new name, Squirrelstar! Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of ThunderClan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity.”
Leafpool threw her head back.
“Squirrelstar! Squirrelstar!”
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kudossi · 1 year
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you will blaze like fire (and lack the oxygen to keep yourself burning)
Dandelionkit blinks. “I want Lionblaze to mentor me,” she says, her voice barely above a mouse’s breath.
Squirrelflight crouches over her, tail draped around Dandelionkit’s thin shoulders. “I’m sure he’d love to,” she says quietly. “I’ll ask Bramblestar if he can, okay? But only if you eat your herbs.”
Dandelionkit looks down at the chewed-up bundle at her paws, eyes impossibly tired. “Do you think he’ll name me Dandelionblaze?”
Despite herself, Squirrelflight purrs. She runs her tail along Dandelionkit’s white-splotched back, hoping to encourage her to eat. “If that’s what you want,” she says. “I once knew a cat who picked his own name, too. I’m sure you can have a say.”
The pale ginger she-cat nods, beginning to lap up the pulp. “I’d like to be like him, momma. Lion,” she clarifies, as if Squirrelflight wouldn’t know. “He’s so strong.”
“You’ll be strong, too,” Squirrelflight says, willing herself to believe it. “Stronger, if you eat your honey. Lionblaze never took his herbs.”
The small kit manages around half the pile before she gasps, little sides heaving. The herbs come up with bitter, awful-smelling bile, and then Dandelionkit coughs and coughs and coughs, frame shaking and rattling and spasming—
(Squirrelflight has never felt so helpless.)
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bennydeez · 2 months
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Hey guys does anyone wanna see a ghost Hollyleaf AU where Dovewing can see dead people? Asking for a friend
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kirwell · 1 year
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"You're wearing it." "I know." "Why?" "Because I am." "It looks tight." *…silence* "I said it looks tight-" "-Yeah, I know! it is!" "Do you want me to find you a new one..?" "...Yes that would be nice, thank you. Just don't hurt anyone." "You know I can't promise that c;" - Art (c) me (LizzieLass on DeviantArt) Reposting my stuff from DA cause it's dead over there rip nothing comes up for # FirestarXbone on DA,, does this ship not exist yet?? I'm aghast  idk, im just kinda into this pairing and I don't know why,, crackshipping has settled in very late for me ya'll. I hated crackships as a kid lmao
I'm thinking this would place in some BloodClanWinsAU. The big bad blood cats move in and the clans are divided and rapidly weakening. Meanwhile, there's Firestar doing the best he can under Scourge to keep his clan off the cutting board, and facing a lot of hate from his clanmates. In this au, Firestar surrenders to Scourge during the great battle, after 1) losing too many cats, and 2) learning that the cats left at camp are being held hostage. If Scourge does not come out alive, then the remained of thunderclan will be slaughtered Firestar swears his loyalty to Scourge if his clan be spared, and now he's just kind of,,, existing.  I haven't written everything down yet, but at some point Bone just strolls into the picture,, and the two start getting along and finding some resemblance of comfort being around each other. life's hard ya know ? I like to think Firestar dug up his old collar to fit in better with the bloodclan cats moving in, and its just too fuckin' small for him now xD he chokin, help him! And boyfriend Bone is a very good boyfriend. Also I reeaallllyyy like this red for his collar ^^ I wasn't sure what color to go with
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lichennose · 10 months
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World-building in Building Thunder #1 - The Wondrous World of Weaving Galepaw, WindClan’s medicine apprentice, collects sorrel and lavender in a small basket harness.
The cats in Stars Above can weave! Woven cases are used to transport all sorts of goods, typically prey or herbs. These cases are crafted out of grass, reeds, cattail leaves, vines, brambles, and honeysuckle - materials are dried before any actual weaving takes place. Weaving is a time-consuming but important task for all four Clans.
Twine - Simple twine is crafted from willowbark, woven grass, vines, or blackberry brambles. It’s used to tie together other materials.
Healer’s Rope - Sturdy string crafted from stinging nettle fibers. - Used to make splints for limbs, tie herb bundles, and hang up herbs to dry.
Baskets - The hardest project a weaver can undertake, baskets are tricky to get right and take a long time to put together. Due to this, a Clan typically has only 2-3 baskets at a time - when not in use, they’re stored in a dry, sheltered spot within camp. - Always have some sort of handle and cover! The handle is a sturdy reed that can be replaced when worn out. The cover is a woven mat that’s secured by being slipped over a piece of bone, stick, etc tied into the basket wall. - Held in the mouth via the handle. - Sometimes decorated with flowers or colorful shells!
Pouches - Smaller version of a basket; these are easier to make and transport, but hold less. A Clan always has more pouches than baskets. - Held in the mouth with a twine handle or slipped onto a basket harness.
Basket Harnesses - Kittycat backpacks! - Small woven baskets attached to a woven harness that slips over the body. Used to transport plants, prey, and other small objects like rocks or shells. - The size of the basket varies depending on its intended use. In the featured art, Galepaw has a small basket intended for carrying small amounts of herbs. - Most often utilized by medicine cats when carrying herbs to another Clan for trading or when gathering large amounts at once. Also frequently used by warriors on fruitful hunting patrols or for gathering construction materials.
Fish Harnesses - Unique to RiverClan! Used to carry large fish from the river back to camp. - First, a flat surface is constructed out of sturdy sticks and tied together with thick twine. This is then tied to two separate harnesses worn by two different cats. These cats walk in tandem, supporting the fish between them.  - Wearing a fish harness is awkward due to the weight distribution and teamwork required. Apprentices practice by carrying around rocks and smaller prey items. - RiverClan usually has 4-5 of these at any given time; warriors are careful not to break them, but accidents happen. New fish harnesses are usually crafted in late greenleaf, in preparation for the salmon run, and may be repurposed into basket harnesses for the following leafbare.
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wcphasesofthemoon · 16 days
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Okay what if... and hear me out on this... there was a Death-Note-inspired Warriors AU... where the Stick was a deadly weapon?
Like if a cat, with another cat's name and face in mind, marked the Stick, the cat they envisioned would die?
That has some serious evil Jayfeather potential. Like he could get close enough to his victims to walk in their dreams, but in reality he's just trying to learn what they look like.
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eeveearoace-creative · 3 months
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cw: blood, fighting, pain
cat fic time! pspspsps!: @peachpaws0, @stupidshinyevie
[if you want to be added/removed from the amphibia and/or warriors tag list(s), just let me know!!]
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l-art-stuff-l · 7 months
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Thunder Storm”, Clear Sky mewed. “We don’t have to do this. Just step aside, come back to me. We can have peace. Just join me.”
Thunder Storm stared at him in disbelief, claws unhooking from Clear Sky’s fur in shock.
“Peace? We tried to make peace with you, and you fought us every step. You killed a cat and stole her kits, just to expand your borders. You threw Tall Shadow to killers, just because she disagreed with you. You want no peace! All you wish for is power”, he snarled, “control.”
“And all that was for my cats!” Clear Sky said. “My Clan! You can be part of that, Thunder Storm. I’ll be willing to forgive you for your insolence if you just come back, join me. Join your father.”
Thunder Storm recoiled, rage burning like fire in his eyes, his heart, his very being.
“Father!? My one and only father lay dead by our feet”, he snarled, “your claws are still dripping with his blood! You are no father of mine!”
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Clear Sky’s eyes hardened, and his lip curled into a snarl.
“Fine”, he growled, “if you wish to stand in my way, then I’ll take care of you, just like I did Shaded Flower.”
At that, he leapt at Thunder Storm, claws scoring down his fur, piercing his flesh. Thunder Storm clawed back at Clear Sky, jaws snapping at his throat. They wrestled, rolling over and over on the bloodied ground, before jumping apart, both breathing heavily.
Thunder Storm looked into Clear Sky’s cold eyes, and knew that he would not hesitate to kill Thunder Storm, nor would he regret it. He had only one chance to stop it all, prevent any more suffering by Clear Sky’s uncaring claws.
He leapt at Clear Sky, who jumped to meet him, and as they collided there was a bright light, accompanied a great roar. A bolt of lightning had struck the oak above them, and as they grappled with each other the tree creaked, a limb falling from the great trunk. Bright Storm saw it before they did, yowling out a warning.
“Look out above!”
Thunder Storm looked up and gasped, prompting Clear Sky to look up as well. They both scrambled away from the other, unwilling to be crushed. The branch crashed between them, right where they had been hardly a moment before. The other cats gradually stopped fighting, and it was as if the very world was holding its breath for how quiet it was, almost as if it were waiting for something.
@bonefall
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meadowfoxglen · 2 months
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@haroldosaur Woo! Finally a drawing with both of the main characters :D This is fanart for chapter 21 and 22, basicly for whenever they ignore Fireheart just to banter with each other.
+Vers because i cant decide on the background
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sophswritingthings · 8 months
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Longstar AU — Chapter Fourteen
   Longtail was settled into his next, a gentle breeze filtering in through his thinner fur. He was sound asleep, comfortable and quiet. Though, his ears twitched at a rustle at the entrance.
   He rasied his head to see a fluffy brown tail wading out of the den. His green eyes narrowed, his eyesight much fuzzier than it was when he would usually wake up—but he could see enough. He blinked a few times, clearing it so he could see better.
   Longtail slowly got to his paws, padding out of the den with gentle paws. Though as he slipped out, so did this other cat. He lent over, picking up the scent trail of ThunderClan warrior Brambleclaw.
   He swiftly trotted out of the camp, Brambleclaw’s scent fading a bit, but strong enough where he could follow it. And soon enough, he realized where it was leading.
   “Tawnyfang!” Brambleclaw mewed, nuzzling his sister. Sure, the warrior had a harsh temper with an apprentice, but he was a well shaped warrior and loved his family. And, he was much better than his father, Longtail could give him that. “So, do you think the others will come?”
   “I’m not sure.” Tawnyfang flicked her tail, “Lets hope they do, though.”
   “.. Brambleclaw! Tawnyfang!” A sweet, soft voice filled his ears. “It’s good to see you! I’m happy It’s cats we know.” Feathertail flicked her bushy tail, her brother, Stormfur, padding in behind her.
   “Was he chosen, too? They said one cat per clan.” Brambleclaw mewed, flattening his ears. Chosen? Chosen for what? Longtail thought with narrowed eyes. And whose gathering them here? StarClan..?
   “No, he wasn’t. But he insisted on coming when I told him about my dream,” Feathertail smiled. “He didn’t want me meeting with random cats. But its only you two!”
   “And me,” A raspy voice came from behind them, a small black cat with large ears and river blue eyes. “Crowpaw. WindClan.”
   Thats Deadfoot’s kit, Longtail thought.
   “Than thats all of us?” Tawnyfang prompted.
   “Nope!” A more high-pitched voice came from behind Brambleclaw, a small red and white she-cat appearing out of the bushes. “Squirrelpaw!”
   Squirrelpaw! Longtail let out a hiss. Sneaking out of camp! What was she thinking?! He leapt out of the bushes, hissing at the small she-cat.
   “L-longtail!” Squirrelpaw recoiled, flattening her ears tight to her skull. “What.. what are you..”
   “I saw a warrior sneaking out of camp in the middle of the night,” He shot daggers at Brambleclaw, who recoiled as well, “I didn’t think one of my warriors would do this, without talking his leader. But my apprentice?” Longtail growled, “You’re all going to explain this. Now.”
   “You’re not my deputy, or leader,” Crowpaw growled. “I dont have to listen to you.”
   “I’m a deputy nonetheless,” Longtail hissed, glaring at the young apprentice. “And I happen to know your father quite well, Crowpaw. He wouldn’t be so happy if he heard about any of this.”
   “Give him a little respect, Crowpaw.” Tawnyfang mewed, gazing at Longtail. “It’s nice to see you healed and still the same cat I knew while in ThunderClan.”
   “.. Same to you, Tawnyfang. And a warrior, too.” Longtail mewed, curling his long tail around his paws. “So, explain.”
   “We’ve.. each been getting these dreams, well, beside Stormfur.” The gray striped tom flicked his tail with a nervous smile. Brambleclaw mewed, “From StarClan. Telling us we had to meet here on the full moon, at midnight. That there would be others, and we’d be told what we have to do, or why we were getting these dreams in the first place.”
   “You should have spoken to Firestar, or me, at the least.” Longtail sighed, “I have to tell him, you understand that.”
   “I know,” Brambleclaw murmured. “But.. I thought that you wouldn’t understand it. That he wouldn’t let us go.”
   “Of course he would understand!” Longtail hissed, “Firestar had dreams of StarClan when he was a warrior. And now he’s a leader guided by StarClan themselves. There’s no one who would understand more.”
   “.. I-I suppose that’s right,” Brambleclaw mumbled, flattening his ears.
   “Let’s go,” Longtail took a sharp breath, “And this isn’t the end of this for you, Squirrelpaw. You weren’t even chosen.. for whatever this is. I suggest the rest of you go back to your camps and talk to your leaders.” He narrowed his eyes, turning back toward camp with his clanmates in toe.
   “.. Longtail?” Squirrelpaw mewed softly, her ears flattened, her tail tucked between her legs. “I-I’m sorry. I thought.. well, I-I don’t know what I thought. But—I’m sorry.”
   Longtail sighed. “Maybe you had good intentions. Maybe you weren’t thinking.” He replied, glancing at her. “Either way, you shouldn’t have snuck out of camp. It’s dangerous out there at night for a barley trained apprentice, okay? I'll have to tell Firestar, and you'll receive punishment.”
   “.. I.. understand.” She murmured, making a beeline for the apprentice den as they entered camp.
   “.. What about me?” Brambleclaw murmured.
   “I have to talk to Firestar about that.” Longtail replied, “I saw your intention, Brambleclaw. You were only following the will of StarClan; but there are people here who can help and rationalize these situations. Get some rest and we'll talk in the morning.”
   Brambleclaw dipped his head, padding over to the warriors den. He slipped inside, beyond the bushes, a few warriors hissing and grumbling as he did so. 
   “Longtail?” A gruff, sleepy voice came from the entrance. He turned around, claws unsheathed, only to see Darkears standing there. “Relax. It’s me. What are you doing up?”
   “I could say the same for you,” He replied, settling down in the soft sand beneath his paws.
   “I went to the dirt place.” Darkears padded farther into camp. “And what about you, what’s your excuse?”
   I can’t say anything til I talk to Firestar, Longtail thought, “I couldn’t sleep. I went for a stroll is all.”
   “And why’s that?” Darkears raised an eyebrow.
   “I don’t know,” Longtail mumbled. It wasn’t exactly a lie; the reason he'd woken up in the first place was because he was sleeping rather light. He was having trouble getting good sleep, ever since the rabbit attack and loosing his eyesight. Not being able to see as well put him.. on edge, half the time. “Ever since loosing my good eyesight I’ve been on edge.”
   “You have no need to be, Longtail.” Darkears flicked his ear with his tail, “You have a clan behind you that would protect you if you came into trouble. If your eyesight was holding you back.” Darkears mewed softly, “But I think you're still that strong apprentice I trained all those moons ago.”
   “I’m.. I-I’m not so sure,” Longtail flattened his ears. “I feel like I’m less of a warrior because of my eyesight. I don’t want others to have to protect me, I’m their deputy, I should protect them.”
   “Don’t think like that.” Darkears gently lifted the tom's chin with his paw. “You're no less of a warrior. You're no less of a deputy, Longtail. Just because you need protecting sometimes doesn’t make you weak.” He smiled softly, “Now get some sleep, mouse-brain.” He gently nudged his shoulder, padding into the warriors den. Longtail let out a scoff, following the dark tabby tom into the den.
   He watched as Darkears curled up beside Blacksight, the two toms snuggled up and comfortable in a nest. Darkears had reintegrated into the clan; he'd healed from Tigerclaw, he'd made his amends. He'd gotten a new mate, a happy, loving life once more. He was happy for him; he was apart of the clan again. And so was Longtail, deputy, a mate—expecting kits—it seemed like everything was so perfect.
   But he knew it wasn’t.
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mothdapple · 2 months
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I always knew that first arc-centric fics dominated most of Warriors fanfiction, but I was curious to see how much that was really the case. Being the data-driven nerd that I am, I took the top 100 Kudos Warriors fics on AO3, sorted them into different types, and these are the results.
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No DotC, TBC, or ASC fics were in the 100 most kudos-ed fics.
I think the most surprising thing to me is how few TNP fics there are in the top fics. I know that TNP isn't the most popular arc, but TONS of iconic characters originate in it, and as the 2nd arc it also has time on its side to gain power with nostalgia for fics (or just rack up the kudos since the longer a fic is on AO3, the more readers/kudos it gets, hence I think most of these fics are biased to be older.)
There are also very few OC fics here (exactly 2) which isn't terribly surprising since almost every fandom favors canon character fics over OC fics, but I maybe expected a bit higher since Warriors in particular is a fandom rich with OCs. I am immensely proud, though, to say that one of those two fics in the top 100 kudos is mine, Cold Bloodlines :)
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iamfabiloz · 1 year
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fanart for @booksofstars asc rewrite fic!! Bristlepaw 2.0 getting Squilf as her mentor!! I love them sm 🥺 designs by cham as well!!
@wc-of-the-silence-that-follows <- fic blog and u can read the fic itself here!! :3 please go check it out it’s really awesome so far <3
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strelles-universe · 9 months
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The Cats of ShadowClan: Quiveringheart
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Name: Quiveringheart
Other Name(s): N/A
Meaning: Gentle and Gullible
Identity:  Demiboy - He/Him and They/Them
Orientation: Pansexual
Rank: Crafter
Former Rank(s): N/A
A short furred ticked russet tom with pale green eyes, Quiveringheart was first named for his weak body and weaker immune-system. The first moon of Quiveringkit’s life was spent in the healer’s den being monitored and attended to as his breathing regularly faltered in his sleep. Eventually his lungs became stronger, his gaze clearer and he was freed from the medic’s den. The clan had been under the impression that Quiveringkit would eventually become a model ShadowClan warrior when he survived where his sister didn’t. They were immediately disappointed when the russet tom never became what they wanted.
He’s very anxious and guilt-stricken, believing most truly that he’s the reason for his parents splitting up as a kit. He feels immense pressure from his father to be a good warrior to be proud of. One of the most heartbreaking events of his life was his father turning away from him, choosing to step back from his life even after he turned six moons old. Quiveringpaw was forced to listen to the whispers and rumors the clan created about him and the scathing remarks that he was what happened when a father shirked his duty to his kits.
His life only started really looking up when he officially moved into the apprentice's den. He was already vaguely familiar with his old denmates but he only became super close to Marrowpaw and Thistlepaw when he started training as a crafter. It was like he gained a brother and a sister overnight, two cats willing to protect him from the whispers and the rumors no matter what. To top it all off, his mentor - Sunstone - turned out to be one of the nicest cats he'd ever met. She was patient, gentle and kind; uncaring when he stammeringly asked questions and guided his paws through weaving.
Quiveringheart has a powerful metabolism that keeps him from gaining much weight - he rarely if ever puts on even a thin layer of fat. This would seem like just a minor point except it affects every aspect of his life - without a fat layer, all impacts when fighting hurt much more and have higher chances of thoroughly injuring him. He’s always at least vaguely hungry, there’s almost never enough food in the clan for him to feel full. When he was younger, some of the older cats shamed him for constantly eating so now he overcompensates in the opposite direction, frequently starving himself so as not to take food from more deserving cats.
Mentor: Sunstone
Apprentice(s): N/A
Parents: Mazzardfoot (mother), Saffronblister (father), Sunstone (adoptive mother)
Auncle(s): N/A
Sibling(s): Emberkit (sister/deceased)
Nephling(s): N/A
Cousin(s): N/A
Mate(s): N/A
Crush(es): 
Kit(s): N/A
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Quiveringheart's reference was drawn by @sparkwing
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