warrior-cats-challenge

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Runningpelt

The sun was coming up from behind the forest floor, it made Elmheart’s pelt look bright red. The strong warrior sat on one of the rocks leading down to the ForestClan camp. He could look down at the whole Clan, sending out patrols and sharing tongues. Elmheart’s mind was clouded with memories of his sister. 

There was a time when Runningpelt was young that she wasn’t as spiteful and troublesome. Elmheart could recall that she was always ambitions and determined to prove others of her strength, all she ever wanted was to live up to what Forestfur and Rubbleshade wanted for their daughter. She had a sharp tongue and smooth coat, a great hunter who supported her Clan above all. Yes, Runningpelt made mistakes in her life-time, but Elmheart could tell that his sister always had the right intentions, and in the end, she wanted to prove that she could raise kits. But to the whole Clan’s sadness, Runningpelt would never make it to her kits apprentice ceremony. 

Suddenly paw-steps sounded behind Elmheart, but he didn’t turn or flinch. Even if an enemy cat sprung from the bushes onto Elmheart, he was too busy thinking of his sister. Rubbleshade softly padded up to the rock and sat beside Elmheart. The two toms sat in silence for a few moments. 

“She told me about her mate,” Elmheart broke the silence with his chilled voice. ��His name was Jax. I couldn’t bring myself to tell the Clan about her befriending a rouge. She was too happy.”

Rubbleshade’s black pelt blew in the slight wind, his voice remained unbroken as he spoke. “This Clan deserved Runningpelt.” He looked to the rocky ground. “Forestfur would say that she’s with StarClan now, wherever Runningpelt is, she can watch her kits grow into fine warriors like her now.”

Elmheart knew that Rubbleshade was right. He turned to nuzzle the black warriors shoulder before looking to the bright rising sun. The sunlight was warm and peaceful, it made Elmheart feel like his sister was still alive, and her warm presence could still fill the air as she approached him. He closed his eyes and took in the scent of the forest air, thinking about Runningpelt one last time. 

November 25, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Goodbye, Friend

The sun had started to leave the forest and the moon would rise above the trees soon, Willowmist’s fur was tense and stuck towards the air like sharp nettles. The entire Clan paced around and gathered near the nursery, offering comfort and licks to the queen inside. Kai and Frostlily suddenly rushed past Willowmist, making her whiskers twitch. The two she-cats carried branches in their mouths, they padded into the nursery as calmly as they could. They must be giving Runningpelt branches to chew on, Willowmist thought. 

After many moments of anxiety and worry, the Clan dispersed and finally let the nursery breathe. Forestfur was the first to re-enter the nursery, she gave Runningpelt a gentle nuzzle on the head and turned to the three small kits mewing on the mossy floor. The Clan cats who sat nearby seemed as tense as ever. Why is everyone so worried this time? Willowmist tried to shake away her thoughts as she watched as Frostlily groomed and soothed the exhausted brown queen. 

Suddenly, Forestfur and Frostlily murmured a few words to each other, but Willowmist couldn’t make out what the two she-cats were saying. Forestfur turned to Willowmist with clouded eyes, she waited for her to pad over, which Willowmist did. 

Willowmist could tell what Forestfur wanted her to do, but she wasn’t sure if she could greet her mother right now. What would she say? could she really ever forgive her? Before another thought, she quietly padded over to Runningpelt and crouched down. 

“Willowmist,” Runningpelt’s voice was as heavy as ever. Willowmist touched her nose to her mother, forgetting about all harsh thoughts she held against her. Willowmist could sense that Beetleclaw was sitting outside of the nursery, his long fur was tense and prickled. “I should have raised you and Beetleclaw,” Runningpelt quietly mewed on, “I was a coward. But Kai did better than I ever could.”

Willowmist wanted to deny Runningpelt’s words, but she couldn’t make out how she could defend her mother for what she had done. She simply set her head beside Runningpelt’s and sent prayers to StarClan that one day she would be able to forgive her mother. 

“You are great warriors.” Runningpelt looked up at Willowmist with painful eyes, “You are a better cat than I ever was.” After a moment of silence, Runningpelt laid her head against the soft mossy floor and closed her weary eyes. Willowmist realized that Runningpelt was gone. She sat up heavily with foggy eyes and felt her legs grow weaker. 

          Willowmist and Beetleclaw crouched huddled together near the warriors den in the clearing. Willowmist watched as the whole Clan wondered what to do. Suddenly Forestfur dragged herself to the clearing and waited as every cat gathered around her. Willowmist thought that Forestfur had never looked so empty and powerless, she looked half the size that she had remembered the leader looking before. 

“Rubbleshade and I will sit a silent virgil tonight,” Forestfur’s words were long and heavy, “Elmheart will bury.. her.. after the virgil.” The brown tabby’s words were eery and cold. Beetleclaw stood to his large paws and took a step towards the leader, his head hung low. 

“I will go too.”

Forestfur nodded to the young warrior and dragged herself to the nursery, where she carelessly lied against her daughters still warm pelt and shut her eyes tight, shutting off all sounds of life. 

November 25, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Forever Best Friends

Duskfur sat neatly with his tail curled around his bright paws, he stared into the full fresh-kill pile. His belly rumbled as he decided which piece he would take, but something was making him lose his appetite. He suddenly felt like something very bad was about to happen. 

Two sets of padding paws sounded behind Duskfur near the camp entrance, he turned to see which patrol was returning to camp. As he watched Mudfoot and Willowmist trot back into camp, he was thankful that he knew his friend would soon take his mind off of his bad feelings. The two young warriors dropped their prey into the pile, smiled at each other and then dispersed. As Mudfoot sat slumped near his ginger friend, Duskfur watched as Willowmist smoothly paced over to Oakleaf and Beetleclaw, who were chattering near the kit training patch. 

“Hey.” Mudfoot called as he started to groom his rough chest fur. 

“How was hunting?” Duskfur asked brightly. 

“The forest is pretty busy today,” Mudfoot meowed cheerfully, “Willowmist couldn’t keep herself from teasing me for my leg though!” Duskfur could tell that Mudfoot was just being playful and wasn’t really hurt by the older warriors remarks. He remembered the time when he thought his best friend would never become a warrior because of his injury, and became glad he didn’t have to worry about that anymore. 

“How are Snowkit and Bramblekit doing?” Duskfur purred, changing the subject.

“They’re great!” Mudfoot slumped onto the other side, “they’re big enough to eat fresh-kill now! I bring them food whenever I can. How’re yours?”

“Springkit tries to hunt the leaves, and Russetkit likes to run off.” Duskfur recounted the many times his kits had gotten into trouble already. 

“I can’t believe we actually have our own kits Duskfur!” Mudfoot sounded very positive this morning, Duskfur thought. 

“Me too, I never thought I would have kits.” Duskfur meowed back. He suddenly knew that no matter how much trouble his kits would get into, he would be as enthusiastic as Mudfoot. 

“I hope I’ll get to mentor one of my kits,” Mudfoot trailed off, “or maybe even one of your kits.” 

Duskfur swatted a playful paw at his brown litter-mate, “I hope not! You’d screw them up.” 

The two friends hissed playfully at each other and joked on. Duskfur was glad that even with the two friends having kits and important warrior duties to tend to, they still remained good friends. He didn’t know what he would do if he didn’t have Mudfoot in the Clan. 

November 25, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Adopted Kin

The camp was still quiet and empty, while the forest above was busy with hunting patrols and the young warriors playing in the training hollow. Willowmist stretched her sleep away in the clearing of the warriors den. The warm sunlight and peaceful day made her sleepy. Suddenly a warm figure approached Willowmist. Kai padded towards the brown she-cat and sat just outside the warriors den, waiting for Willowmist to join her. 

Willowmist stepped in front of Kai and sat down neatly with her tail curled around her white paws. The presence of Kai made her feel even more peaceful. She soon forgot about the visions of a WoodClan meeting she was having before. 

“Silverstripe and Frostlily’s kits are growing by the day,” Kai smiled, “I can’t wait to see what interesting apprentices they turn into.” She chuckled softly and started to groom her already neat paws. 

“Me too.” Willowmist mewed. After waiting a few heartbeats to speak again, she started to meow something she knew she’d regret bringing up. “I’ve been thinking about something.” 

“What is it?” Kai meowed gently. 

“I don’t know what to think about.. well, Runningpelt.” Willowmist grunted. Ever since Kai told her and Beetleclaw about their real mother, her mind had been overwhelmed with anger, confusion and sadness. “Why wouldn’t she just raise her own kits?” Willowmist continued, “Like Silverstripe and Frostlily are doing.”

Kai’s expression changed, she looked gentle and understanding - she clearly knew what Beetleclaw and Willowmist would go through after hearing about their mother.  “Sassie was my mother, she also gave me up to another cat, because she couldn’t take care of me and Merlin both.” Kai’s voice was soft and weary. She must miss her mother at times, Willowmist thought. “But my life wouldn’t be the same if that hadn’t happened. Forestfur and Rubbleshade raised me, and I grew up with good friends.” Kai smiled at the thought of the beginning of her Clan life. Willowmist found herself a little more comforted than before. 

“Don’t worry, Willowmist,” Kai stood to her white paws and nudged the she-cat with her soft head, “It will get better.” Willowmist nuzzled Kai in turn and watched as the white she-cat quietly padded off to visit the nursery, where the four kits and queens were resting. 

November 24, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Another Chance?

Beetleclaw padded into camp with a small adder swinging from his jaws. He dropped it into the fresh-kill pile and paced away towards the apprentices den, where he sat to groom his long fur. Suddenly a dark tabby approached the young warrior with tense short fur, it was Runningpelt. She awkwardly sat two tail-lengths away from him. 

Beetleclaw hadn’t forgotten he and his sisters short conversation with Kai only a half-moon before, Kai had told them that Runningpelt was their real mother. Beetleclaw had always known that Kai must not have been their birth mother, but he didn’t care much about that anyway. All that mattered to him was that Kai was the she-cat who raised he and Willowmist well. But at that moment he could tell that Willowmist didn’t exactly feel the same. 

Runningpelt’s voice interrupted Beetleclaw’s thoughts. “You’ve become a fine warrior.” She murmured. 

“Erm, thanks.” Beetleclaw meowed, not exactly sure how to talk to Runningpelt. He realized that the she-cat had never exactly tried to talk to him before now. 

“Just like Elmheart..” Runningpelt trailed off, “You have that bravery of his.” She smiled and fumbled her paws around on the ground. Beetleclaw could tell that she was trying to be genuine with him, but did she deserve to be friends with her abandoned kits? After a long moment of tense silence, Runningpelt spoke again. “I’m sure Kai told you by now.” She mewed hoarsely. 

“Yeah.” Beetleclaw meowed with a hollow voice. He wasn’t sure why Runningpelt hadn’t raised her own kits, but he didn’t know if he should care. Runningpelt looked to the ground and nodded her thin head. 

“Maybe there’ll be a time where we can all get along,” Runningpelt mewed quietly. Beetleclaw could tell she wasn’t confident in her words, but she still sounded hopeful. “Maybe you could even meet Corwin some day, if he’s still at the rouge place these days.” her words were cut short by Beetleclaw as he stood to his paws and looked at her. 

“Sorry, Runningpelt, but Kai is our mother. It’s always going to be like that.” Beetleclaw told her calmly. He was bold in his words, but didn’t mean them to sound harsh. He was sure that there was nothing Runningpelt could do to raise her kits ever again. Beetleclaw gave Runningpelt’s slim shoulder an awkward nuzzle, before he padded away towards the entrance of the camp. Even if Beetleclaw had just gotten back to camp, he was desperate to get out of sight again.

Runningpelt sat completely still in front of the apprentices den, without even twitching a whisker. She looked emptily at the entrance where her son had left her. Suddenly another brown figure slipped through the brambles of the entrance and into camp. It was Willowmist, who gave Runningpelt a cold harsh look as she passed and snuck into the warriors den. Runningpelt was now sure that she could only give up on her kits, once again. 

November 24, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Runningpelt’s Regret

Runningpelt strolled out of the warriors den after a short nap, she could barely get any rest with all the chatter of the camp anyway. If cats weren’t on hunting patrols and bringing back prey, they were mewing on and on about the WoodClan meeting coming up, or even the new kitty-pet who had been accepted into the Clan, Hawkdust. Runningpelt had to admit that even with her strong opinions and will to keep the Clan together, she was losing interest in trying to change Forestfur’s mind about the new kitty-pet. If she won’t listen to her senior warriors, theres no changing it, Runningpelt thought bitterly. She guessed that soon, the arrogant ginger tom would mess up and be kicked out soon anyway. It’s only a matter of time before a kitty-pet will show his true blood!

The Clan had been so busy ever since the four kits were born, and everyone was on extra alert to make sure that every cat was well fed. As Runningpelt was about to leave towards the camp entrance, she heard the tussling of Bramblekit and Springkit playing around. Runningpelt couldn’t remember whose kits they belonged to, she didn’t care much to remember who was queening at the time anymore. The two kits snapped at each others ears and legs clumsily. It reminded Runningpelt of when her and Elmheart were tiny kits as well, without a worry in the world. But it also reminded her of her own kits, Beetleclaw and Willowmist. 

At times, she wished she had never asked Kai to care for her kits, that way she would have been forced to be a mother and watch her kits grow. Would she ever get that opportunity again? Or was it too late?

November 24, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Feelings of Doubt

Silverstripe watched as her two healthy kits tumbled around in the nursery clearing. Russetkit and Springkit were getting along great with Snowkit and Bramblekit, Frostlily and Mudfoot’s kits. It brought Silverstripe joy observing how the litters played together - they must have no worries on their minds at all. What a peaceful life, Silverstripe thought. Her thoughts were interrupted as Frostlily padded into the nursery with a gentle presence. She licked Snowkit’s tiny white head as she passed, and settled herself next to Silverstripe in a mossy bed.

“How’re you resting up?” Frostlily’s soft mew spoke.

“Erm, fine.” Silverstripe meowed back. She licked her chest furs roughly.

“Russetkit and Springkit are looking very healthy,” Frostlily smiled, “your kits are going to grow big and strong.” She cooed. But Silverstripe wasn’t sure she believed her friends words right away. She was reminded of her own feelings of doubt that had overwhelmed her recently. What if she wasn’t a good mother? Was she grooming her kits enough? Was she too rough when she licked their furs? As Silverstripe watched as Frostlily smiled at her own kits, she thought about how much she envied the queen - it came so naturally to the she-cat to take care of others. Why couldn’t Silverstripe be the same way?

“How is Duskfur?” Frostlily mewed to her friend, she murmured on without waiting for Silverstripe to respond, “Mudfoot visits the nursery all the time.”

“Duskfur does too.” Silverstripe quickly grunted, “But he’s clearly distracted by Hawkdust.”

“They’re brothers.” Frostlily mewed gently. Everyone keeps saying that, Silverstripe thought. “If you didn’t have Mudfoot in the Clan, you’d probably be lonely too.”

Silverstripe could tell that her friend was trying to help, but she couldn’t help feeling bothered by her words. “He has me! He doesn’t need a kitty-pet brother in the Clan.” Silverstripe snarled. The four kits played their way out of the nursery, tumbling around in the camp clearing. Silverstripe quickly got to her paws and followed after them to get some air away from her queen friend.

November 23, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Season Full of Kits!

Forestfur is happy to see four new faces in the Clan so suddenly. The season is warm and generous to the Clan, and she’s confident that these four new kits will grow strong and healthy in ForestClan. 

Frostlily and Mudfoot are happy to announce their two kits to the Clan, Snowkit and Bramblekit. The she-cat and tom are playful little bundles that are already showing personality and health. Bramblekit is a proud little brown tom who takes great care of his fur. He has a big personality that is followed along with some attitude, just like Mudfoot. Snowkit is an energetic and playful white she-cat whose quite quiet like Frostlily, but won’t give up in a tussle with her brother!

Silverstripe and Duskfur have brought another set of two small faces into the Clan, Russetkit and Springkit. Springkit is a rich ginger she-cat who shows fierce personality and a smart mind. Russetkit is a proud and independent pale ginger tom who hasn’t failed to wander off as much as possible. 

Forestfur is sure that the four kits will keep the Clan busy this season. She may even be hopeful that they will take the Clans mind off of the tom she accepted into the Clan so quickly, Hawkdust. 

November 22, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Breaking Bond

It had been a half-moon since Hawkdust arrived in the Clan. Silverstripe knew that most of the Clan was still wary around the ginger tom, and that Forestfur definitely had to have some kind of hidden intentions in accepting him so quickly, but she felt like she had her own set of problems caused by the tom. 

Silverstripe caught sight of Mudfoot settling near the warriors den. He was grooming his paws carefully, he must have just gotten back from his hunting patrol with Frostlily, which meant Duskfur was next to set out to catch fresh-kill. She padded up to her brown friend and settled near him. 

“Hey Silverstripe.” Mudfoot murmured between licks. 

“I have to talk to you about something.” Silverstripe mewed. 

“I couldn’t ignore you if I tried,” Mudfoot snarled playfully, “what is it?”

“Don’t you think Duskfur has been a little too interested in this.. new weird cat?” Silverstripe hissed subtly. She flicked her white tail against the ground. 

“Hawkdust?” Mudfoot asked, looking away from his paw. 

“Yeah, whatever his name is.” 

“Duskfur told me they’re brothers.” Mudfoot meowed.

“Yeah I know that,” Silverstripe grunted, “but still, he’s a kitty-pet.”

“I would be happy if I was Duskfur too. He’s the only kitty-pet here.” Mudfoot argued. “Now he has a friend who was a kitty-pet too.” Silverstripe’s fur calmed down, maybe Mudfoot was right, maybe she was being too hard on Duskfur. 

Mudfoot clearly noticed Silverstripe’s confusion, he pressed his head against hers and purred. “Don’t worry Silverstripe, he’s still our friend.” 

“Thanks, Mudfoot..” Silverstripe mewed hoarsely. 

November 22, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Could This Mean Something?

As Forestfur expected, the entire Clan was shocked to see their leader stroll back into camp with an unfamiliar cat, especially one with the stench of the twoleg-place clinging to their firey pelt. For most of the Clan, it felt like they had seen unknown cats pad into camp all too often recently. As Runningpelt watched the Clan cats’ curiosity grow, she hoped this would be the last time an unwanted cat was welcome into camp. 

Forestfur waited until all the cats were gathered around her and the proud ginger tom. On one of her sides, she could tell the tom was impressively looking around at all the cats.

“This cat will be called Hawkdust,” Forestfur announced right away. Hawkdust glanced over at his new name and sniffed the air proudly. 

“What a brave Clan-y name!” Hawkdust mewed. 

“What is he doing here?” Rubbleshade padded towards Forestfur with concern in his voice. Everyone was already on edge because of WoodClan. 

“This kitty-pet shows great potential and determination, he wants to join our Clan.” Forestfur told her deputy. 

“We’re stable enough, we don’t need more mouths to feed!” Runningpelt meowed desperately to Forestfur, “besides, the more cats we try to change, the more danger that will come from it!” Her fur was tense and frizzy. 

“I’ve made my decision.” Forestfur meowed boldly. The Clan cats were silenced. 

Rubbleshade could tell that this strange tom was given acceptance and a Clan name all too quickly, what had he promised Forestfur?

As the Clan was finally beginning to settle again, and tending to their usual patrols to Forestfur’s demand, Hawkdust settled himself near the fresh-kill pile. Duskfur hesitantly padded up to the new Clan cat and stood a tail-length away from him. He really did smell like fresh twoleg, Duskfur thought, though in a strange way, Duskfur wasn’t unsettled by this tom. 

“Forestfluff told me not to eat anything today. I’ll go on a hunting mission tomorrow.” Hawkdust purred. 

“Our leader is Forestfur.” Duskfur corrected, he flicked his tail in amusement. He realized he never really had met a kitty-pet before, he was already beginning to think that what the other cats said about kitty-pets was true, they’re all clueless. “Why did you come to the Clan?”

“Actually, I came here to look for you, Decker.” Hawkdust said boldly.

Duskfur’s whiskers twitched, what was this strange cat talking about? “Whose Decker? My name’s Duskfur.” 

“I’m Sky and Blaze’s kit, we’re brothers!” 

Duskfur felt his ginger fur tingle. Was this tom telling the truth? Suddenly he realized how similar Hawkdust looked to himself. He had never seen another cat with such a bright pelt. This cat even had the same green eyes that Duskfur had! Duskfur thought about all the doubts he had ever had during his time in the Clan - at times, he felt like the Clan was more capable than him because of their Clan blood. He even remembered thinking that Silverstripe and Mudfoot had learned much quicker than him after the boulders disappeared from camp. Would things change now that he shared blood with another cat in the Clan?

November 22, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Strange Arrival

Forestfur’s soft paws padded on the harsh gravel along the riverbed. She gazed off longingly towards the other side of the river. A chilling breeze caught her fur, she thought about what may be beyond the Forest: she knew there had to be more than just the areas surrounding ForestClan territory.. suddenly her fur tugged at her, she was reminded of how she had snuck off without telling anyone in the Clan of her journey - she should get back before any cat noticed. 

Before Forestfur could turn back towards ForestClan, she heard the splashes of water and a rustling sound among the bushes. Soon, a ginger figure appeared in front of Forestfur. What was Duskfur doing here? Then, Forestfur peered closer - this wasn’t Duskfur, this tom had to be a rouge! Her fur bristled and she defensively hissed. 

“I’m no harm, Clan-cat.” The ginger tom meowed calmly, he chuckled at her sudden aggression. This cat had to have some nerve to laugh at a Clan leader!

“Who are you?” Forestfur spat. 

“Just a harmless house-cat. Or, I guess you’d call me a kitty-pet, huh?” The tom mewed. How did he know about the Clans? Forestfur thought. 

“How do you know of Clan cats?” Forestfur quickly questioned. She remembered how this tom must have traveled through the water to get to her, weren’t kitty-pets afraid of water? And what would one be doing out here? Her fur calmed down once her mind was clouded with other questions. 

“I know some stuff.” The ginger purred proudly.

“What are you doing here? This forest isn’t safe for a kitty-pet.” Forestfur sat down with her tail flicking at the ground. She found herself worried for a second for the kitty-pets safety, but she shook the thought from her pelt. 

“Actually you’re just the kind of cat I wanted to see!” He meowed, “I heard of some.. Forest Clan, or Woods Clan..” The tom trailed off, “Or was it Tree Clan?”

Forestfur corrected him impatiently, “My Clan is ForestClan. WoodClan also lives in this forest.”

“Well, I wanted to join your Clan!” The tom announced. Forestfur twitched her whiskers in surprise. What business did this kitty-pet have in asking something like that? “I’m a good hunter, and great at doing Clan things.”

“You may not be suited for the Clan life.” Forestfur meowed boringly. She remembered how she needed to head back to camp soon. 

“Trust me, I’ve thought about it for a good while.” The tom smirked proudly, “How about you give me a trial run? or something.” Forestfur could tell the tom noticed she was uninterested in accepting him into the Clan. “Even though I’m a house- kitty-pet, I could bring skills into your Clan! Plus, It takes me a while to get hungry.” 

As the arrogant tom continued to blabber on, Forestfur realized something - clearly this cat had no problem sharing all kinds of information, and he was after-all, a kitty-pet. Perhaps Forestfur didn’t have to wonder what was beyond her territory anymore?

November 22, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

Four New Warriors!

It’s time for Forestfur to appoint these four brave and capable apprentices as warriors of ForestClan! She is impressed by the determination and gleam in these cats’ eyes, as even when the boulders blocked their camp and held them from being the most skilled hunters they could be at the time, all four cats prevailed and showed their true loyalties to becoming warriors and supporting the Clan. 

Duskpaw was brought into the Clan on mysterious terms, and Forestfur is sure that this young cat once lived among pampered kitty-pets; he must have some kind of kitty-pet blood, though her decision is still as strong as ever - Forestfur knows that Duskpaw will bring a certain light that the Clan has never seen before, he will become a strong and brave warrior of ForestClan, no matter what the case. Elmheart has mentored and taught this apprentice extremely well. From this day on, Duskpaw will be known as Duskfur.

Forestfur has not forgotten Mudpaw’s leg injury, which she once thought may hold the young cat from ever becoming a warrior. Though she also heavily remembers how Mudpaw was able to rise up again once his leg was in better shape and he was even more determined to support his Clan. This cat clearly has an ambition and fire in himself that will always shine. Rubbleshade has formed a strong bond with his apprentice and has passed on many of his wise traits and skills, Forestfur is confident that Mudpaw will become a strong-willed admirable warrior. From now on, Mudpaw will be known as Mudfoot. 

Even as a young apprentice, Silverpaw has always shown strength and ambition in her personality. She is a fierce and bold she-cat, it’s clear to Forestfur that she would protect her Clan and remain loyal to ForestClan no matter what the cost. Silverpaw will stand for her beliefs and ambitions even as as a strong warrior. From this day forward, Silverpaw will be known as Silverstripe. 

At one time, Forestfur wasn’t sure if Frostpaw belonged in the Clan because of her strange past. The Clan still didn’t know where this young cat belonged to, but after proving her compassion and care for the Clan, Forestfur is sure that Frostpaw’s place in ForestClan is strong. Frostpaw will go on to provide for the Clan in ways that Forestfur couldn’t even count at the moment, she will be a strong and bright warrior. Frostpaw will now be known as Frostlily. 

November 20, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

New Hope

The Clan was continuing to disperse from the camp clearing after Forestfur’s announcement. Mudpaw was slumping near the warriors den as he groomed his chest fur and watched the others. It looked like Duskpaw and Silverpaw were heading out to train with Willowmist and Elmheart, and Oakleaf and Beetleclaw were sharing a meal at the fresh-kill pile. 

Suddenly Frostpaw approached the brown tom with a gentle gaze. She sat in front of him and also tended to her un-groomed paws. “What do you think about WoodClan?” Frostpaw asked, though she didn’t sound too passionate about her words, she must have been just starting conversation, Mudpaw thought. 

“Erm, I don’t really know yet.” Mudpaw groaned, “Maybe they’ll be alright.” He meowed dryly. Then visions of foreign Clan cats popped into Mudpaw’s head, “Or maybe they’ll be super strong! Like StarClan cats!” Mudpaw mewed excitedly. The thought of meeting a whole new Clan seemed interesting to the apprentice. But Mudpaw’s ambition died down when he realized he already knew one of the WoodClan cats.. it was Dovetail, Frostpaw’s mother. He couldn’t tell Frostpaw about this, he didn’t know what would happen to her if the Clan knew she was born in WoodClan! 

“Maybe.” Frostpaw meowed quietly. 

“How’s your training with Forestfur going?” Mudpaw asked, trying to take his mind off of Dovetail. 

“Forestfur is a good mentor, but I don’t know if I’ll be a good warrior.” Frostpaw sighed. 

“Of course you will!”

“What if I don’t want to be a warrior, Mudpaw?”

Mudpaw paused his grooming and Frostpaw did the same, the two apprentices stared at each other.

“What do you mean?” Mudpaw asked, “Why wouldn’t you want to be a warrior?” Mudpaw couldn’t imagine wanting anything else in the world. Especially with his injury, he wanted nothing more. 

Frostpaw fumbled her paws in front of her and looked at the ground. “When your leg was injured, all I wanted to do was help, but there was nothing I could do.” She mewed sadly, “I want to help cats, I want to be something else.” 

Mudpaw thought about what Dovetail had done for him days before, she helped him with his leg, and now he finally had hope that he’d become a warrior. Perhaps Frostpaw wanted to do the same? He realized that his friend was worried she wouldn’t be able to be what she wanted to be, and Mudpaw had just thought the same thing not too long before. He had been terrified that he would never be a warrior.

“I thought I’d never be a warrior, Frostpaw.” Mudpaw recounted, “But then that WoodClan cat helped me, you could do that too! You could help cats. Forestfur would understand how those abilities are needed around here.” He explained thoughtfully. Suddenly Frostpaw looked up at her friend and seemed like she had a sudden moment of hope. 

“Thanks, Mudpaw.” 

November 18, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

The Decision

It had only been a night since the mysterious WoodClan cats left the ForestClan camp to go back to their own home. Although the Clan was quiet about their questions and suspicions, Runningpelt knew everyone was thinking the same thing. Who were these Clan cats? and would ForestClan see them again? She hoped Forestfur would speak more about it soon. 

As hunting patrols were returning into camp and leaving their share of prey in the pile, Runningpelt among a small group, Forestfur paced out of the warriors den and sat at the clearing of camp. She waited for the whole Clan to gather around. As soon as every cat was sitting neatly around Forestfur, the bold she-cat started. 

“I know how you all must be feeling,” Forestfur meowed, “there is a lot to explain.”

Runningpelt shifted her paws around as she anxiously waited. Was ForestClan and WoodClan on the same side? Runningpelt thought there was no way two Clans could share the forest, they would have to drive out WoodClan!

“You will understand in time, but for now, we will meet WoodClan again. Next moon, we will meet where StarClan speaks to us.” Forestfur announced. The whole Clan was confused, but they remained calm, unlike when the WoodClan cats were in their camp a night before. 

“What do you mean Forestfur?” Kai gently mewed among the crowd.

“We’re going to meet them again?” Oakleaf questioned. 

“WoodClan is a strong Clan, I can sense it.” Forestfur explained, before her words were broken by a warrior.

“Which is exactly why we need to drive them out!” Runningpelt argued, her fur was tense. “We have no business being friends with another Clan.” She spat. Forestfur glanced around at the other cats, waiting to see if any cat agreed with Runningpelt. 

Suddenly Rubbleshade stepped forward, “She’s right.” He said calmly, “I’ve once lived among a group of cats like this one, when there are multiple Clans, fights break out. It’s dangerous Forestfur.” He mewed. 

Despite the cats arguments, Forestfur’s mind was unchanged. “I hear you, I know the risks, but we are a strong Clan, and alliances will only make us stronger.” She called boldly. Runningpelt could tell the other cats eased up a bit, perhaps they were starting to trust their leader. Runningpelt wished another cat would speak up against Forestfur’s words, there was no way they could befriend another Clan!

Kai’s soft coat appeared in the clearing, she stepped out towards Forestfur so that the rest of the Clan could see her. “We have to trust WoodClan, and Forestfur.” Kai gently mewed. “I was accepted into this Clan by Forestfur, and you, Rubbleshade.” Kai looked to the black tom, who looked down at the ground. “We put our trust in each other, we must do this for WoodClan as well.” Kai stepped back to the crowd feeling confident in her words. 

The Clan clearly understood Kai’s words, their pelts settled. Runningpelt felt a tingle in her paws, could the other cats really be that easily swayed? What if the loyalties of her Clan shifted because of this new Clan? As the cats were dispersing through the camp, Runningpelt padded up to Rubbleshade, who was grooming his black paw carefully. 

“You’re the only one who understands, Rubbleshade. You have to put some sense into Forestfur before something bad happens!” Runningpelt mewed desperately. 

“Maybe she’s right, Runningpelt.” Rubbleshade glanced up for a moment, “We’ll have to decide once we meet this Clan.”

November 18, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

WoodClan: Part 3

Mudpaw wished he could pace around, anxiously waiting for the ForestClan cats to return to camp like the other Clan cats were doing, but he hadn’t dared forgotten about his paralyzed leg since the day he was injured. He sat slumped in front of the apprentices den as the ForestClan camp was consumed by questions and whispers about WoodClan. Although Mudpaw was curious about what he had heard in the clearing earlier, he had his own much bigger problems to worry about. 

Suddenly the ForestClan cats quieted down as the patrol returned through the entrance, but they were followed by three unfamiliar cats. Mudpaw stared at them hard, these cats must have been the WoodClan cats, the Clan that the white caliby she-cat was talking about. They were clearly too big and bold to be any loner or kitty-pet, at least that’s what Mudpaw guessed, he had never truly seen a kitty-pet nor rouge before. 

Runningpelt and Rubbleshade were the first to approach the returning Clan cats, they had defensive snarls on their faces as they noticed the three unknown cats, but by the calmness of Forestfur’s expression, they both settled their fur. Forestfur lead the whole group towards the apprentices den where Mudpaw was resting. The WoodClan cats sat near but kept their gaze on the ForestClan cats, clearly they also weren’t too keen on trusting right away. Mudpaw watched cautiously as his Clan-mates stood near and stared. They were all thinking the same thing - who were these cats? And what where they doing here?

A soft looking torbie she-cat approached Mudpaw with a calm gaze, although he didn’t trust any of these unfamiliar cats, he knew he was in no state to pick a fight. She noticed his wounded leg and sniffed him. Mudpaw realized this she-cat had a warm presence about her, and her fur was pretty and smooth like his friend Frostpaw. He wondered how real WoodClan was, and could two Clans get along in the forest? Mudpaw listened as Runningpelt sat beside Forestfur and sent shifted eyes towards the torbie cat.

“You’re really going to trust this cat?” Runningpelt spat. But Forestfur ignored her question, and addressed her Clan instead. 

“I can tell this she-cat is a special cat,” she meowed calmly, “She is guided by StarClan.”

Mudpaw had no idea what Forestfur meant, but he could tell the torbie appreciated Forestfur’s words. He listened as Forestfur sent away the whole Clan, telling them to put trust in this she-cat since she had a purpose. Mudpaw was left alone with the torbie in the apprentices den. He half laid with his leg off to the side of his body, as if it wasn’t a part of him anymore. 

“How did this happen?” The she-cat asked, she studied his injured leg.

“There were boulders blocking our camp..” Mudpaw’s words dragged on, he realized this was the first time he had to explain the accident to any cat. His words were painful as he recounted the events of that night. “My leg was stuck.”

Without hesitation, the she-cat grabbed a good sized branch from the apprentice den walls and a few vines. She set the branch beside his paralyzed leg and begun to wrap the branch with vines around his leg. Mudpaw watched as the branch and vines started to form a brace. The she-cat turned to a large leaf she had set down after arriving to the camp, it had a few small dots in it that Mudpaw had never seen before. She pushed the leaf towards him. 

“Here, eat these, only a few. They will take away the pain.” She softly explained. Mudpaw hesitated at the little seeds, but he scooped up a few regardless. 

“Why’re you helping me?” Mudpaw suddenly asked. 

"My kit was taken away, her name was Frostkit.” The torbie mewed, “I can't imagine what has happened to her. You're young, you should have the chance to become a warrior. That's all I wanted for my kits." Her pained voice drifted off as she continued to work on Mudpaws leg. 

“Frostkit?” Mudpaw thought. Had this strange she-cat meant Frostpaw? He remembered how Frostpaw was accepted into the Clan, Beetleclaw had been the one to find her as a kit and take her back to camp. Did she really belong to WoodClan? Mudpaw kept silent, despite his need to know, he figured it would be safest for his friend if he didn’t say anything about this. 

As Mudpaw’s anxiety from his leg slowly faded and his curiosity about Frostpaw continued, he glanced outside of the camp and noticed Forestfur talking to a sleek brown tabby she-cat. 

November 17, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

WoodClan: Part 2

Elmheart looked back at the ForestClan cats walking with him. He was glad to be traveling with Willowmist, she was a rational and brave young warrior, and of course Forestfur was a brave and capable leader. Although the rest of the Clan back at camp had reacted with anger and frustration when they learned Forestfur would leave to go to an enemy Clan, Elmheart knew he could put faith in the wise cats words. He trusted her judgement well enough to travel along with her and Willowmist to WoodClan, after-all. As the long journey continued, Elmheart studied the expression on his Clan-mate and leaders’ faces. Willowmist was determined and focused to get to the bottom of what was going on in this other Clan. He silently admired that about the young she-cat. He could tell that Forestfur was calm and positive, but emptiness lied in her eyes. What was she thinking?

Soon, the mysterious white she-cat who had taken them this far, lead the ForestClan cats towards a sunken clearing in the earth. There were rocks, trees and shrubs surrounding the clearing, it looked like the ForestClan camp, Elmheart thought. It reminded him even more of home as the group walked down the slope leading to to the camp, he noticed all of the Clan-cats gathering towards the entrance. There had to be at least 10 cats in this Clan, how had ForestClan never knew of them before? Could there really be two Clans in the forest?

As every cat in the sunken hollow tensed up and their fur bristled, Elmheart felt a chill in his spine. Would these Clans really fight each other? Had the ForestClan cats really come this far just to put up a fight? He knew they were outnumbered and didn’t stand a chance. Suddenly Forestfur emerged from the small group and calmly padded towards the surrounding of WoodClan cats. She stopped once she was face to face with a brown tabby she-cat who was staring boldly at her. 

The two she-cats looked at each-other with an eerie calmness, as if they’d seen each other before. The camp fell silent and anxiety filled the air. 

“I know your Clan needs help.” The brown she-cat meowed. 

“Is it true that you have a cat from StarClan?” Forestfur questioned softly. What were they talking about? Elmheart prepared for anything. 

The brown tabby turned towards a fluffy dark tom beside her and murmured something in his ear. In turn, he padded away quickly. When he returned, a gentle torbie she-cat followed behind. She sat with her tail curled over her paws, facing Forestfur and the other ForestClan cats. 

Forestfur gently sniffed the torbie she-cat who had arrived, and looked her gently in the eyes. “You will be welcomed into my camp, my Clan needs you.” Forestfur meowed confidently. How is it that Forestfur felt so calm here? Did she know these cats meant no trouble? And what help did she mean?

Elmheart noticed the torbie she-cat looked a bit confused, but her expression changed once Forestfur told her her Clan needed help. She looked focused and serious. Before Elmheart could form anymore questions, the WoodClan cats began gathering few warriors and setting off on a journey back to ForestClan along with Forestfur, Willowmist and Elmheart. 

November 17, 2021

[warrior-cats-challenge]

WoodClan: Part 1

As Willowmist heavily walked back to ForestClan with thoughts rushing through her mind, she made sure to keep a good eye on the she-cat walking behind her. She wasn’t entirely sure that Oakleaf would want to do a well enough job making sure she didn’t escape before the mysterious cat was able to address Forestfur. Willowmist knew her friend was loyal, but she also knew he was soft and too gentle at times, there was no way he would have taken this cat back to camp if he had been alone on this patrol. 

As the three cats walked back into the ForestClan camp, Willowmist felt many eyes fall upon her and the stranger cat beside her. All of the cats inside camp had been carrying on with their own business, but as soon as the smell of this strange cat carried the wind, everyone was gathering around in the clearing. Forestfur calmly walked forward towards the gathering of cats and sat with her tail neatly curled around her paws, she waited as Willowmist and Oakleaf walked to her, in the middle of them was the unfamiliar small caliby she-cat.

“We found her on our patrol.” Willowmist explained quickly before joining the circle of cats surrounding her, Oakleaf joined the other side. 

The white she-cat crouched low in the middle of the clearing, her fur was on end and her tail slashed around. Willowmist felt a pang in her heart as she realized how scared the young cat must be, but she tried to push it down as she waited to see what would happen. She was surprised to see how calm and collected her leader looked. The surrounding cats started to snarl and hiss at the poor she-cat. Suddenly, a loud voice sounded in the circle of cats.

“Explain yourself kit!” It was Runningpelt, she was crouching and snarling angrily. 

“Quiet, Everyone.” Forestfur said boldly. The cats around her quieted down, though they remained curious and intrigued. “Who are you?” She meowed. 

“I’m Leappaw.. from WoodClan.” The small white she-cat answered. 

All at once, the camp fluttered with confused whispers and mews. Willowmist perked her ears towards the clearing, trying to listen closely to how her leader would respond. Who was this cat? Was there really another Clan in the forest? As tension grew in the air, the cats settled their whispers and waited for Forestfur’s next words.

“Take me to your Clan.” The leader spoke. 

November 17, 2021