the-flock-survies

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 7

Quietshadow cursed under their breath as her paw slipped on rain drenched mud as the fresh, crisp, air of the outside distracted her form hr footing. She looked around as she regained her standing and then once she knew no one had seen she wandered out of the tunnel and felt a pang of pain. Below her, her leg buckled as it was put forwards and left Quiet to lick her now obviously wounded paw. After limping stubbornly for hours however it began to tire her and she made her way to the medicine den, only to be told that she had sprained the paw and scraped up her pelt from all of the falls and limping.

Ramstripe and Lambleap each scurried out of the tunnels as the lights of the sun just barely began to spill out onto the horizon and began to search tirelessly before the clan fully awoke. As each searched they found a burrow and then began to wait outside it. Each nods to the other as Lamb, after a bout of bickering, then agrees to lure out whatever lay asleep in the burrow. She slowly stuck a paw into the cold, arid burrow and then poked her whole torso in enough to see a family of rabbits. Swiftly she caught one under her claws and killed it as the others startled to consciousness and began to flee around their den. Ram, hearing the commotion, entered behind Lamb as each then caught as many rabbits as their paws and stamina would allow. Fur and claws flew as the speed of both predator and prey began to battle until each rabbit was nothing more than fresh kill. The pair then lift their catches up onto their backs and into their mouths and head for their home once more. In total 4 adult rabbits were found on the fresh kill pile that day and the clan congratulated both on their capability and reliability.

Following the example set by Lampleap and Ramstripe only a few nights prior, Sheepflight felt a need to prove they could do just as much as the pair combined. She tracked down a rabbit whilst Flockstar and Russetwool followed behind to survey they borders and territory. As they neared the border, Flockstar warned Sheepflight as the acrid scents of foreign cats began to billow around the air but the sond never reached Sheep in time as she leaped across what seemed to be a new border set up and was tackled by an unknown cat who dug claws into her fur. "What're you thinkin' comin on our territory!?" The gruff and agd voice came from the stocky dark cat as they threw Sheep back across the clan borders and took the rabbit. "This here territory is Runnel clan an you all 'ave no stak to it! We lived and earnt this! The flames left it to us with the stars approval!" Bared teeth shone as the cat spoke and glared daggers at Sheep, Russet and Flock. Flockstar spoke first after a sigh.

"I apologise for Sheepflight's thoughtlessness. We are Flockclan and meant no transgression. Take the rabbit. It's a comfort to see another clan. We hope to keep a positive relation with you and perhaps last a llong time. Good hunting to you." Flockstar's head dipped as their tail flicked and he signalled his clanmates to follow back to the tunnel camp. On the return trip, he scolds Sheepflight for their recklessness.

Lightbleat scoured the territory during the last few nights of the moon and thanked the stars for a clear sky providing perfect lighting to discover al the herbs the lands could offer up. As they catch a scent they don't recognise they speed up their pace until they neary trip into a hollow hidden by ferns. As their paw moves the coverage they expec new herbs but instead find the cooling body of a queen with a single skeleton thin kit. Thy attempt to check both but find no warmth or breath from either and burry them with a prayer, hoping they reach starclan or a place just like it for themselves.

Once returned to camp, Ligtbleat reports their finding to Flockstar and it is decreed that the grave will be left undisturbed and not hunted on unless in an urgent time. Following this decree, Russetwool then suggests the area instad be used as the clans graveyard and the idea is accepted.

Runnelclan found.

Burial ground found.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 6

The breeze of the night awoke Ramstripe as it brushed past their healed wounds. Her ears pricked up as she heard the crunch of dried, dying, leaves under paws and crept out of the tunnels to inspect the sounds. All they saw was a passing silhouette they couldn't make out.

Above the tunnels, winds buffetted Flockheart as he wandered from the tunnels' exit and began to follow where he had seen the star fall and constantly search the drafts of wind for scents he might recognise from his dream. Nothing seemed to make sense though. As the moon began to dip from its peak, Flockheart came to a lake frozen over with clouded ice. Hope flickered within Flock as they then cautiously began to canter above the ice, placing each paw with care to not step on the refections of the stars that float above.

Above. That clicked into Flockheart's mind as they found a thinning patch of ice at the lake's center that seemed to perfectly encrcle the moon's reflection. Coming onto his hind legs, Flock slammed his front paws and claws into the ice and heard the ice groan as it cracked and crunching echoed around him. He kept going, beginning to fear for being wrong, until his front half broke through and he tumbled into the freezing depths. Tightness gripped his pelt as his body became stiff and light struggled to reach his eyes. With a final exhale he fell unconscious and felt a strange warmth grip him from behind and almost lift him.

Opening his eyes, Flockheart witnessed the surroundings around him as star speckled cats surrounding him in a thick woodlands full of chirping birds and chittering squirrels. He stood in wonder as his jaw began to drop and his thoughts raced. Most the cats seemed to depart at his awakening and ran into the endless treeline out of sight, leaving only a single, pure light grey, tom to greet Flockheart. "Welcome, Flockheart. You finally found us. We're glad you came. It's time you became a true leader of your new clan. My name is Runningstar, once a leader of The Pack but now your guide for Flockclan. I give you your nine lives now but as your clan grows more will be here to give your successor lives with great meanings behind them. My lives to you are for strength to overcome all hardship you will face. Spend them well, Flockstar." Runningstar stepped back as starclan began to fade to black and cold pierced through Flockstar's pelt once more as they awoke and felt the tightness of their chest begin to worsen as breath escaped them. Fear jolted him to action as he fought the water to reach the surface and scrambled to return to the ice's surface as the sun poked up above the horizon. Flockstar sprinted back to the tunnels as the day began and slinked back to his nest to rest, his fur still soaked and his throat hoarse from the cold.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 5

Swirling through the water, lights danced around Flockheart as his eyes opened to see the air around them instead consisted of water. Sensations of weightlessness left Flockheart unable to move as they surveyed their surroundings only to see what could only be an onyx black void around them except for above. Kicking with all their might, Flock tried to swim up but instead felt as if, even while weightless, they were only sinking instead. Fear began claw its way up his throat and a scream tore itself from his jaws but was only met with the feeling of the water entering his lungs leaving him unable to scream more. Everything seemed to fade around until only one ray of light fought through the darkness. It took form as a shell, then a star and then iit seemed to fade. Flock's consciousness faltered as it seemingly blipped out of existence leaving only an echoeing voice in Flock's mind now.

"Find us where you once denied all strength. Meet us finally in glorious water. The stars float below as they do above. Find us, and become Flockstar."

With a violent fit of coughs, Flockheart awoke as mucus spewed from their lungs. For moments they felt as if they were drowning but soon recovered. As he looked over himself, Flockheart felt his strength returned as his case of greencough had finally cleared up.

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Excitement permeated throughout the tunnels as Lambpaw sat near the entrence, below the moon rising to meet the tunnel opening, and Flockheart made his way to sit in the very entrance of camp. All eyes swept between Lambpaw and Flockheart as his lips parted.

"Lambpaw, you have served well as an apprentice and now it is time I made you a warrior. You re an adept fighter and your skills of swimming have shown to be greatly useful. For all your skills, with Starclan's blessing, I wish to name you Lambleap for the leaps in your skill you have shown and the leaps you take to ensure the clan's survival. Thank you, Lambleap." Flockheart moved to Lambleap and placed a paw on her chest as the moonlight fully embraced both and the ceremony came to a close. Each cat cheered Lambleap's name as Flockheart then returned to the tunnels' entrance.

"Now, before I send Lambleap on her vigil I must make one more ceremony. I now know where starclan and my livea await me... They reside under the deep lake between here and Lakeclan and float beneath the surface just as they float above us. Due to this, I must pick a deputy. I wish for it to be Russetwool. "

Russetwool's eyes widened in surprise as their name left Flock's mouth.

"I wish to have Russetwool as my deputy and to Sheeplight I give a new rank in the clan. One to strengthen it. Elite. Your skills are invaluable to this clan. And so Both will accompany me to get my lives and after, shall be my greatest advisors in the clan. You're all dismissed."

Surprise and murmurs began to spread through the tunnels as each cat left to go do their duties and Lambleap was sent out to go on a solo hunt to see what omen of future prey they would return with. The night air left her pelt chilled as only a measly vole was slow enough for her to catch and return home with. But any prey was better than none and the clan still celebrated her upon her return.

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Lambleap now entered the warrior's den to lay beside the still injured Ram as both began to share tongues and congratulate one another. Nothing would separate them.

Flockheart set out with Russet and Sheeplight as soon as they were all ready and began to patrol the Lake that Flockheart recognised from his dream. On the way however, they began to be sidetracked as the stale stench of old rivals from their days in The Pack had tresspassed across the territory and needed to be investigated. Once the trails became fresher Flockheart was met with the leader of a fellow clan that had once greatly threateed The Pack but would no longer be a danger to Flockclan. Threats were exchanged between the leaders but no fighting occured as Sheeplight led Flock and Russet away. It was good to know what other clans laid at the edges of Flockclan's territory, but now they knew it was enemies instead of allies. All three returned to the tunnels before getting Flockheart's live for his and the clans safety. Instead choosing to wait for anymore signs to confirm his suspicion.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 4

Paws flew as Ramstripe and Flockheart sparred just outside of the clan's vast territories. Flockheart had been told hundreds of time not to train so vigorously for fear of their lungs giving in but the rush of adrenaline was the only thing that gave themm a hope of recovery. As they went to hit Ramstripe's advances away their paw slips as they then end up catching Ram with their claws, leaving a shallow cut along their nose. Blood trickled along the grooves of Ram's snarl as they then retaliated in frustration but miss as they slip over their own tail and fall flat on their face.

As both limp back to camp, sweating their pelts off, Flockheart struggles to keep going as they experience their chest getting tighter than evr before and he taste of irony blood in their throat. They are helped to camp by Ram and are told they now have greencough. Lightbleat personally decides to keep an eye on Flockheart 24/7 to prevent anything else like this from happening.

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Without Flockheart at full health the clan is at risk so RussetWool and Sheepflight go out with Lambpaw observing to hunt. They return with a large deer carcass that seemed to have died from choking on a twoleg object. The swollen throatunsettles Lambpaw as they all drag it back to the tunnels.

On the way, Sheep veers off route to follow an intruding scent and finds a loner covered in injuries, they look at Sheep in fear and introduce themselves as Merlot after explaining that they had been left out and were just finding shelter. They are offered to join the clan but decline and canter away.

Merlot met!

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 3

Awakening from a dreamless sleep, Flockheart attempted to stand ready to go on a search for starclan's new resting place, to find themself unable to breath. Something constricted their chest and left them weak as they slumped back into their nest and called for Lightbleat.

"Tight chest, short breathes, excessive coughing, a fever... Flock, I fear you have whitecough. It's not serious but it could be if you overwork. Stay in your den and I'll bring you prey and damp moss when you need it." Lightbleat's orders were not recommendations but commands.

"I can't do that yet Lightbleat. I cannot rest. I need to get my lives." "Not like this you can't! What would starclan think seeing you weakened like this. Rest. Recover. Then go." Lightbleat's tone never quivered as they then strutted out of Flockheart's den to collect marigold.

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Lambpaw kneaded the dirt under their claws, as they murmured under their breath about Ramstripe's early name whilst they still work to even be fully respected. Ram approached them with a skip in their step and a devious grin as they laid beside their ex-fellow apprentice and whispered in their ear.

"Scented a dog earlier. Quietshadow and Sheepflight missed it but I didn't. Would you... like to chase it off with me maybe? You'd get your warrior name earlier for sure! Guaranteed! Flockheart has to!! You in!?" The words snaked their way into Lambpaws thoughts as they kneaded the ground more, lost in thought.

"That does sound reasonable.... hey would have to, wouldn't they? Yeah! Lets go! It can't be too big or we'd have seen it too. Lets go!"

Wit that, both raced out of their tunnels to the surface and began to scour ever inch of the territory they had set until they were forced toloop back on themselves. Silence surrounded them as they dragged their paws on the way back until a sudden thrumming began to spread through the ground. Then it became pounding thumps. Then finally, the yaps and snarls rang out as a Black and white dog lept at the pair, sweeping Ramstripe up into its jaws and shaking its head violently.

"Ram! I'll get you!" Lambpaw lept for the dogs tail and bit down with all their might as a low whine came from the hound and it spun in an attempt to free itself from the young cat's jaws and released Ramstripe. Lamb flew through the air at the sudden movement but just barely managed to land on their feet as Ramstripe came to their side.

"You okay Lamb? Lets show it the strength of 2 Flockclan warriors!" "Yeah!" Hisses flew from the young pair's throats as they lept for the dog's neck and sent it fleeing as they panted in victory. Both headed home after filled with pride as they told each clanmate the tale of their heroics but only receive scolding as a reward for being so foolish.

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Sheepflight, deciding they can't leave a dog on the territory, takes initiative and has Russet leave with them to check the borders. As they canter along the very edge of their territories they find a familiar scent inches from Flockclan's own. The Pack. As they tried to follow it, it began to reek of acrid fish and algae. At the end of the scent trails was a camp full of 3 or 4 cats that looked to be The Pack's previous elders. The two peacefully converse with the elders to figure out what this new camp is and find that they've now found Lakeclan. They mention their leader now, Peakstar, had found a deep pond only a moon ago and now had 9 lives. They offer to show the group to it once they're ready and Russet accepts before Sheep can attempt to deny it. They then report back to Flock about the new allies they have in Lakeclan.

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As sleep lulls Quietshadow into a feeling of safety, they feel drips run down their face as the images of snow melting upon a green fern coated in wool flooded their dream. They awoke in the morning unsure of what it means and doesn't tell Lightbleat incase it was just nonsense.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 2

Long hours had passed over Flockclan as the sun began to dip below the horison. Quietshadow and Rampaw lay beside one another as they spoke of their memories of The Pack and their hopes for what was to come. Shadows flew across the sky in circling motions that seemed far off from Flockclan's lands. Words made a cover for the beats of wings and the whistle of winds buffeting a hawk mid-dive. Razor talons gripped Quietshadow as they went to stand and a screeching yowl of fear rung out across the green patched surface. Adrenaline flooded Rampaws mind as they leaped for their struggling friend. Blood flew into Rampaw's eyes as teeth met feathers and claws met flesh. Quickly, however, it was over as Rampaw felt themselves falling from the sky and began to try manourvering to avoid injury. They no longer heard yowls for the wind and feared the worst as their paws slammed onto the ground and buckled beneath them, leaving them to unconsciousness.

Harsh nudges to the side sent pangs of throbbing pain throughout Rampaw's pelt as their vision flooded with blurs of shifting colours that seemed to be trying to speak to them. Nothing was going through though. As they regained their bearings however, they saw that they had managed to leave the hawk flightless and brought it down with Quietshadow in tow.

Flockheart assisted in supporting Rampaw back to the tunnels and began to ask what had happened as Lightbleat checked for injuries on each of the cats that had dealt with the hawk. Rampaw barely got out a word between their winces as Lightbleat prodded them and placed pressure on growing bruises.

"In the clear" Came the confirmation from the loyal healer. "Nothing more than bruises. Quiet may need some extra rest though. I fear a concussion."

Flockheart's chest fluttered with pride as they looked once more at Rampaw. They had saved an elder without major injury, an incredible feat of skill. A reward was clearly in order and Flockeart felt it in their mind that they knew exactly what was the perfect reward.

As the moon began to rise above the entrance of the tunnels, Flockheart gazed up into silverpelt and then took a, shaking, deep breath.

"Rampaw, for your feat of extrodinary loyalty, bravery and power... I, as acting leader of Flockclan look to our ancestors to allow me to give you a warrior name. Your leap was swift as the hawk that you defeated and your claws were the sharpest ever seen from you. For this... I name you, with the blessing of the stars, as Ramstripe for the stripe that followed your leap. I know you shall make a great warrior and will bring back bountiful prey for Flockclan. Thank you. Tonight... you shall stand guard outside the tunnels to contemplate your warriorhood." Ramstripe bowed her head as Flockheart placed their nose onto her temple and a paw on her shoulder,

"Thank you" escaped Ramstripes mouth as they then cantered out of the entrance to begin their night vigil.

Above it all though, as the moon grew too far into the sky, another blazing light flew across the sky and illuminated the tunnels in a vibrant red. Flockheart's eyes locked onto it as it arced along the horison and landed in what glistened as if it were a vast lake, or the ocean. Flames burst from Flockheart's chest as they felt no need for Lightbleat to interpret the sign. That was where starclan would be and that is where they would go for their lives.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 1

Once a new moon began Lambpaw and Rampaw were immediately rushed out of their hollow and made to go check the border for any signs of life and if starclan had sent even a single sign of what to do to communicate. They scour the very edges of the territory but saw nought but the natural healing of the land with grass shoots beginning to tickle their paws. On their way back to camp though, a pair of hares flashed past the pair. Wind screeched past each apprentices' ears as they persude the foolish beasts and raced to catch them. Rampaw then ran from the chase and into the foliage leaving Lambpaw alone to catch them. Just as hope seemed lost as the long-eared hares made a final sprint for their burrow, Rampaw leaped ahead of them and allowed Lambpaw to leap onto both and nip their necks for a swift kill. Both then raced back to the rest of the clan with broad smiles and adrenaline rushing through them.

Russetwool saw the display from the apprentices as some kind of challenge and attempted to go find some similar prey with Sheepflight as jealousy prickled under boths pelts. They found a single rabbit together but deemed it still worth the catch. As they approached it didn't run but seized on the ground as if it were writhing in pain already. Sheepflight put it out of its misery an brought it to the prey pile.

As each of the clan's members laid in the center chamber of the tunnels to eat, Lambpaw and Sheepflight shared the strange rabbit with Russetwool partaking in the peculiar catch as well. Once they awoke the next day though, they found themselves wracked with tremors and sickness and they could no longer keep down prey or even move from their nests. They hhad suffered some form of poison from that foolish catch made by Russet and Sheep.

All throughout the moon Flockheart seemed to disappear and reappear around the territory unannounced. They tried to excuse themself by saying they were in their den however the clan suspects they were trying to avoid their responsibilities.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Moon 0

As the first days of Flockclan past by, they blurred together as each cat attempted to find where they would stand in their new ranks.

Russetwool would be deputy in Flockheart's eyes and Sheepflight seemed as a good second choice if anything did happen to Russet. As a test of their skills, Russetwool and Sheepflight were sent out into the suffocated territory to try and find prey for the next few days. They observe some birds flying around the air but none that come close. Under their paws the ground crunched and squelched from both charcoal left of trees and the mud stirred up by the following rains. Despite every effort they made, every leap and swipe they took, they returned to their tunnels empty pawed.

In disappointment, and knowing prey was vital for their survival for these first few treacherous moons, Flockheart sent Lambpaw and Rampaw to try and obtain some prey instead while they were watched. Both young apprentices recklessly sprinted and tumbed around the uneven terrain beneath them until they reached the remains of an old camp flooded by murky black waters. Its colours and shape had been stolen from it but the faintest view of carcasses from old dens were still visible and gave the apprentices hope of what could be a new idea for food. Lambpaw dove into the water with a deep inhale and swam down to check to dens. Floating, bloated and blankly staring, were the bodies of cats they had recognised from a gathering they had been to not two moons ago. Fear gripped their throat and forced out their breath as they retreated back to the waters surface with a gasp and the grasp of death now tingling across their pelt as they frantically attempted to get dry.

Rampaw decided the new pool was not to be used for prey as it would disrespect those lost to its depth. Instead, Rampaw clawed up the looming shells of once majestic trees and flies out at a passing owl, nailing it in the neck and falling to the ground with it. They are left bruised but return to camp in high spirits whilst Lambpaw retreats to the apprentice hollow to hide from what she had seen.

Flockheart purred with pride at the skills both had seen but could not tear their thoughts from the pool and what Lambpaw must have seen. She hadn't shared it with them and it left an icey thorn of paranoia in Flockheart's mind. It nags at them as they canter home behind the two apprentices and their mind flashes with scenarios of Flockclan falling before it even truly begins. Eventually they decide to just speak with Russetwool and Lightbleat about their doubts to hopefully be soothed of them.

After Flockheart visits Lightbeat in reminds them of the need to find a connection to their ancestors as Flockheart had not been given their lives or name yet and so was not truly a leader of any can yet. They ask that a border patrol look each moon for a suitable place to commune with the deceased.

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan

This is a bit of a creative writting exercise I'm going to hopefully be doing for a while.

This runs off the "The Swarm" Challenge by .lilac.lavender. on Discord.

This story does get dark with things such as Violence, death and murder such as what you would see in a warrior's book.

All living cats of apprentice age and above are able to be given asks.

Allegiance:

Leader - Flockstar (He/him)

Deputy - undetermined

Medicine cat - Lightbleat (They/Them)

Elite warriors - undetermined

Warriors - Sheepflight (She/her)

Russetwool -(She/her)

Ramstripe -(She/her)

Lambleap (She/her)

Apprentices -

Elders - Quietshadow (She/They)

[the-flock-survies]

Flockclan: Prologue

The birth of the Flock

Flames engulfed the forests as the cats of The pack fled in all directions. Many scrambled below trees and through roots to try and escape the sky’s wrath. Flockheart and Lightbleat sprinted, side by side, and screamed out for anyone else to follow them. Their silhouettes found an opening in the earth that seemed to invite them in. As paws slid down the sodden earth, untouched by fire, they felt as if they were covered in ants but saw none. At that moment, 5 other forms tumbled on top of them. Each squirming from the same sensation. Each cat huddled with the others around them as Starclan’s fury broke the sky with deafening cracks. They had found solace. 

Once the flames died and heavy rain pounded on the ground above, the cats emerged single file to observe the razed remains of their home. All of them were left as the single set of survivors. The sensation of a swarm engulfing their pelts had faded and now they eac took the time to see who was truly left of their life before.

Flockheart

Russetwool

Lightbleat

Sheepflight

Lambpaw

Rampaw

Quietshadow

As the final prickles of the swarming sensation faded into nothing

Lightbleat began to interpret the vivid sensation 

They were no longer The Pack. 

They were to become like that of ants

A swarm that could take on anything the world gave them.

They were to be a clan. 

As a blazing comet raced across the ashen sky, Flockhearts fur glistened as if it were made of stars. A sign. Flockheart would lead the new clan to greatness. Flockclan to greatness. 

As the tensions settled among clanmates, they all returned to the tunnel that had saved them and began to dig it out. Ready to start a clan anew.