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twistedtreeau · 2 years ago

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Here's a bit from human au since I know I'm not getting a chapter out this weekend. notes at the end

cw: child death, religious cult, misogyny

Lights were flashing. Moth started at the corner of the blanket, picking at it. Hawk was still wailing in Sasha’s arms. Moth felt numb.

What had happened kept circling in her head. She could still hear Tadpole’s scream as she was pushed away. The screeching of the tires.

They had just wanted to help. This was not supposed to happen. They sat at the door of an ambulance together. Sasha looked to the one they had loaded Tadpole’s body. She pulled Moth closer to her with her other arm.

“I’m sorry,” Moth whispered, speaking for the first time since she had gotten here. “We were gonna go shopping so you didn’t have to – we know you’re tired when you get home.” Her mother kissed the top of her head.

“I know you’re sorry,” her voice was raspy. She looked like she was going to say more when a police officer walked up.

“And how often were you left alone?” Moth looked down, fiddling with her thumbs. The woman spoke again, “Moth.” She looked up slowly.

“’ wasn’t alone,” She mumbled. “I had Hawk and Tadpole.”

“But how often were you three alone?” Moth shrugged.

“Until late – Hawk and I were asleep by the time Mama would come home most times.” She shifted in her seat, “I don’t know about Tadpole. He watched us.” Talking about him hurt. The social worker wrote something on a clipboard.

“This was since you got out from school, right? At 3?” Moth nodded.

“Tadpole got out earlier,” she said. “He’d come get us and walk us back.” Moth was not sure why any of this mattered. She did not have the energy to care. The woman nodded.

“And how long have you been living at that hotel…” The questions continued; Moth just felt tired.

There was distress in Sasha’s eyes as she hugged each twin in turn. “I’ll see you again,” She promised. “Be good until then, alright?” Hawk nodded.

“Yes, Mama.”

“Of course, Mama.”

She still did not understand why they had to leave but things had been strange since Tadpole died.

Sasha looked at them one more time before she rose. Moth stared after her mother as she left the room.

They were going to live with their father.

Moth was excited and so was Hawk. They had heard so much about him from Sasha. She was not sure why they had not met him before.

It was a long drive and when they pulled, Moth could not help but stare. There were a number of buildings they could see through the fence.

“Look!” Hawk exclaimed, leaning toward the window. Moth followed his gaze.

There were a few people standing outside. Her gazed locked onto the man with the same colored hair as Hawk.

That had to be him.

“Let’s go meet your father,” The social worker glanced back at the twins.

As they left the car behind, the social worker grabbed the bag in her front seat. It was all of their belongings.

The man bent down as they were ushered closer. His eyes were bright.

“I’m your father,” he said. “This is Leopardstar.” He gestured to a woman standing just behind him. She nodded as he turning back to the two. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Hawk and Moth.”

They met Tawny and her mother. Tawny gave them a strange look but was kind. Goldenflower was very welcoming as they changed the twins into new cloths.

Moth would be sharing a room with Tawny whereas Hawk got his own room.

Moth readjusted the dress, her face twisted as it itched. “You’ll get used to it,” Tawny told her.

Tigerstar had a hand placed on each of their shoulders. “While we have been tested through the loss two of my sons, there is still hope to be found.” Moth glanced up at her father. Normally at this time, they would be at school. It seemed none of the kids here went to school.

Not that they had gotten to interact much. They were largely with Tigerstar’s family in the past few days. Tigerstar directed her to look forward, which Moth did so quickly, looking out at the crowd in front of them. Her stomach felt as though it was filled with butterflies.

“He has delivered us that much.” Moth was surprised as his hand left her shoulder, going to Hawk’s. Her brother’s eyes were shining. “God has granted me a son, this is a sign that we are on the right path.” Moth glanced up at their father again. If that was so, why was Tadpole allowed to die?

As Tigerstar continued, Moth was forgotten. All the attention shifting to her brother.

“When are we going back to school?” Moth asked. Her father scoffed.

“There’s no need for that,” he said. Disappointment dragged at her as much as surprise. She had always enjoyed going. “What they want to teach you – it’s wrong! Don’t worry,” Her father kissed her forehead as he assured her. “You’ll learn all you need to know here.”

Notes:

This is gonna be part of something bigger at some point. I just really wanted to post something from this section

Hawk and Moth are nine

birth order is, relative to Tawny being the oldest

Tawny

Bramble - two years younger

Tadpole - six years younger

Moth and Hawk - eight years younger

basically, how Tiger and Sasha's relationship ended was Tadpole was born, Tiger wants to take him from her since he had lost his son with Goldenflower, Sasha ends up just having to get away and hide but at that point she was already pregnant with the other two

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twistedtreeau · 2 years ago

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no chapter this weekend i wrote this instead

there is so much here which is explained in other writing I have but not posted. have fun with next to zero context. Some notes at the end

cw: implied cult. implied death. implied abuse. xenophobia

“I’m glad to meet you,” Tallstar shook his hand as they sat. Fireheart smiled.

“I’m glad you reached out,” He replied. “I have not met a friend of my father’s before.” He did not remember him, truly. Jake had left when he and Princess was young. He had been dead for almost as many years. Tallstar nodded.

“I was sorry to hear of his passing,” he said. “I did not expect that he would have children – certainly none here.”

“We grew up here – Princess has a son, who is still here. She moved home after our mother passed.”

“Why don’t we figure out what we want to eat?” Tallstar suggested, gesturing to the menus. “Then we can continue?”

“Of course.”

Fireheart looked at Tigerclaw, puzzled.

Why was he here?

“Is that one yours?” The older man gestured to Cloud.

“He’s my nephew,” Fireheart replied.

“Might have known you were hiding something, Fireheart.” He was not sure what to make of Tigerclaw’s comment but something about his tone made Fireheart’s skin crawl. Fireheart said nothing as Tigerclaw turned to Brindleface.

“It was good to talk to you,” He took her hand, shaking it. “I hope you consider my offer.” Brindleface smiled.

“I’ll think on it,” She replied. “Thank you, again.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Questions filled Fireheart’s mind as he watched Brindleface walk Tigerclaw to the door. They disappeared as Cloud grabbed his arm.

“Uncle Fireheart, come see what me and Fern made!” Fireheart agreed, allowing his nephew to pull him into the other room.

He was here to see Cloud. That was what he needed to focus on.

“I did not know you knew him,” Fireheart commented. Bluestar looked up at him.

“Of course, I know Tallstar.” She answered, “He’s a wealthy man – I’ve work with him before.” Fireheart nodded, setting the paper in his hand down.

“What do you think of him?” He asked. Bluestar paused.

“He’s a good man,” She replied. “Kind. I’d certainly work with him again.”

Tallstar had reached out, Yellowfang told him. “He wants to know what happened,” She explained. “I’m sure he’s willing to pay for more.” Fireheart shook his head.

“I’m innocent,” He looked up at her. “Hiring some big lawyer is just going to make me look guilty.” Yellowfang sighed.

“I’m not your lawyer,” She began. That was certainly so. He knew she believed him, but she had been too close to Bluestar. Yellowfang was not allowed to be his lawyer. That she was visiting him was already damning.

This whole thing was surreal and Fireheart felt dazed. He was certain it was due to more than just the medicine they had given him. The room was stuffy, his face hurt, and there was a guard outside. He knew this hospital was better than what was to come. Yellowfang continued, “But I would recommend you speak to him. If he believes you, he can get you better than you can afford. There are stacks of evidence against you.” Fireheart shook his head.

“I didn’t do it.”

“She just calved yesterday!” Bramble’s eyes were shining as he turned away from the twins. “Come on, you gotta see him.” Fireheart watched as Bramble left, Feather and Storm raced out of the kitchen after him.

“Barley let Bramble name it,” Fireheart commented as Graystripe set the papers on the table. “He’s been ecstatic since.” Graystripe chuckled.

“He seems it.” He looked to the paper, “Storm did one of the assignments before I could photocopy it. You’ll have to rewrite it.” Fireheart nodded.

“That’s fine. Thank you for doing this.”

“Of course,” He sat at the table. “Listen, your dad’s friend – Tallstar. He reached out to me.” Fireheart looked to Graystripe, surprised. “He thinks I know where you are – he wants to talk.” Fireheart’s chest tightened.

“He said that he’s not going to turn you in – he just wants to talk.”

“What do you think?” Fireheart asked. Graystripe shrugged.

“Bluestar spoke highly of him, didn’t she?” He put his hand on his friend’s knee. “I’ll help you as I can but it’s up to you.” Fireheart nodded.

“Okay.”

Fireheart was shaking. He stared down at his clasped hands.

Tallstar believed him.

Tallstar reached across the desk. “I want to help you,” he said. “I can call my lawyer –”

“No.” That would mean going back. It would mean facing Tigerstar again. He could not do that.

He just couldn’t.

“Okay,” Tallstar sat back in his chair. “How do you want me to help?”

Fireheart ran his fingers through Bramble’s hair as he spoke. “He keeps getting ear infections. I don’t know how to fix it.”

They were in Tallstar’s office. He had mentioned Bramble and Tallstar had wanted to meet him. A Lego set lay on the coffee table. Bramble clung to Fireheart.

“I could get you in contact with my doctor,” He offered. “I can’t promise he’ll help both of you, but I think I can get him to help at least one of you.” Fireheart nodded.

“Thank you,” His voice was raspy. He cleared it. “I can repay you – is there any work I can do for you?”

“You don’t –”

“Yes, I do.” Fireheart had nothing but he had been relying on kindness for too long.

He needed to give Tallstar something.

The older man sighed.

“You can come here – I can give you some work filing, I am going to pay you though.” Fireheart went to protest but Tallstar gave him a stern look.

“I know you are a quality worker – Bluestar wouldn’t have anything else, I won’t have you work for nothing.” Fireheart nodded.

“Thank you,” He whispered, kissing the top of Bramble’s head.

She was angry and upset through their talk but as it came time to leave, Sandstorm offered to walk Fireheart to the bus stop. He pulled his hat further to his head as they approached.

“Hang on.” Fireheart looked at her. She grabbed a flyer on the brick wall next to them, pulling out a pen. She wrote something quickly on it.

“Call me,” she said. “I’d like to go out again.” Fireheart stared at her, his mind racing.

They were so close-knit where Sandstorm lived. Under watch. His head felt light as Sandstorm forced the flyer into his hand.

“He doesn’t have access to that line.”

“Yeah,” His voice came out quiet. “Yes! I’d love that.” He shook his head, clearing his throat. He did not ask how she knew that as he folded the piece of paper, sticking it in his pocket.

Green eyes looked at him, a light to them that hadn’t been there before. Hesitantly, Sandstorm grabbed his hand, squeezing it. He squeezed back and they were still for a second.

“See you,” She pulled away.

“See you,” Fireheart echoed, willing himself to turn away.

Barkface eyed Fireheart. He did not look pleased.

“I’ll take you on,” He finally said. “Not the boy.”

“Barkface, please –” Fireheart was cut off.

“You’re already risky – he’s even more. I’m only doing this for Tallstar. I can tell you how to clean his ears.” Fireheart gritted his teeth but resigned himself.

That Barkface was willing to help him was more than he could ask for. This was how things were going to be.

“You work?” Sandstorm gave him a curious look.

“Yes,” Fireheart glanced at the clock as he put on his jacket. “And I don’t want to miss it.” It was sporadic as it was.

Between Tallstar’s reluctance and Fireheart’s restlessness, he did not go most days. Tallstar certainly gave him too much money for the time he did work.

“What are you?” She asked. “A busboy?” Fireheart shook his head. “Farmhand?” Sandstorm eyed him. “I’m sure you help out Barley and Raven.”

“No, I don’t get paid for that. Make a list of guesses,” He looked at her. “I’ll tell you if any are right next time.”

The look Sandstorm gave Fireheart was unreadable.

“Next time,” She agreed.

Those sleepless days were worth it, Fireheart decided. The fear was, as he watched Cloud and Bramble open presents.

Raven glanced at Fireheart as he gripped the arm of the couch. Fireheart ignored him. He could be out here. This was not like last year.

He took another sip of his drink.

“Hey, Fireheart,” Cloud looked to him. “No car?” Fireheart was surprised as he found himself chuckling.

“I think that’s a question for Santa,” Fireheart commented, glancing at Bramble, who had looked up. “And for when you’re sixteen.” Cloud scoffed.

“Eleven more days,” He reminded his uncle. “Eleven more days.”

He went to bed before Graystripe, Mistyfoot, and the twins came.

It was the following year before he could will himself out of bed again.

Fireheart felt his heart warm at the question. He groaned as he sat up, leaning toward Bramble.

“Oh my God, don’t do that.” Graystripe shot him a look. “You’re younger than me.”

“And my back hurts,” Fireheart responded as he popped the collar of Bramble’s shirt. “Deal with it, old man.”

He ducked as a wine cork was thrown at him. Chuckling, he looked back to Bramble, putting the tie around his neck.

“I’m not the best at this,” He admitted as he finished. “Sandstorm’s better at it than me.” It was always a mess when she did not tie it and that was not often. He smiled, “You look good, little man.” He picked up his glass of wine.

“When can I come with you and meet her?” Bramble asked. Fireheart glanced at him, surprised.

“Not now, Boy.” He replied as he took a sip. “Later.” He ruffled his hair, “Go back to playing, I’m sure Storm and Feather are missing you.”

“She’s pregnant,” Fireheart said.

“Do you want time off?” Tallstar asked. Fireheart shook his head.

“Not yet – closer to when the baby comes.” It was all so sudden and Fireheart felt like he was in a daze.

Sandstorm had had to leave quickly. She was unmarried, and Tigerstar would be furious. He was furious either way. They had both been shaken.

They needed to leave the farm.

Tallstar nodded. “If there’s anything you need,” He began.

“She wants to work.”

“We can arraign that.”

“I’m not accepting anything from someone I have not met yet,” Sandstorm had told Fireheart before they left. She held out her hand to Tallstar. “Thank you for helping us – with both things.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Tallstar shook it. “You have great credentials, Sandstorm. I’m glad to welcome you to our team. Are you both sure don’t need anymore?” Sandstorm had nothing left to her name and Fireheart had nothing real.

The only reason they had secured this apartment was thanks to Tallstar.

“We’ll be fine, thank you.” Fireheart nodded.

“We’ve worked out how we’re going to arraign ourselves and the boys,” he said.

“Boys?” Tallstar echoed. “In a one bedroom?”

“We’ll move once the baby starts to grow,” Sandstorm shot Fireheart a look. “Cloud’s planning to move out on his own when he reaches eighteen, anyway.”

“If you’re certain.” Sandstorm nodded.

“We are.”

Notes:

the naming different from culture to culture. people like Fire and Barley are from a different culture which is why theirs don't fit in. There's background to why Fireheart's does fit but Raven does not. that'll be posted at some point.

snippets from over the course of like. 9-10 years?

so -star is a status thing. It's you hit a certain point and you gain it. Blue and Tiger have it through a political side of things. Tall? The business side of things.

Fire's birthday is December 27th. Tigerstar knew that. it is not a good time of year for him

Cloud's is January 5th

Cloud straight up ran away. He ended up at the farm a year or so before Fireheart did

Theres a whole thing written with Graystripe getting custody of his kids and whats up with Mistyfoot too but for rn, at the point post-Fire getting to the farm, Gray and Misty no longer lives there but Fire Cloud and Bramble do

there's also further stuff with sandstorm

#should rb these more

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