Stormclan, always needing new members!
Jul 6, 2015 4:58:01 GMT -5
Post by Acorntail on Jul 6, 2015 4:58:01 GMT -5
If this seems a bit like the Starclan's Mercy Challenge, I was inspired by it and I made the backstory a bit like it. Many twists and turns are down the road and I'm nervous about it! I hope you will submit your cats to the Clan. I will accept all cats, so long as they meet the requirements. Here is the backstory and I hope you enjoy! Side note: All updates will be in 'The Story' section.
Backstory
How to join Stormclan
The Form
The form is as following:
Name:
Age:
Rank:
Description:
In-Game Pelt:
Personality:
Family and/or crush(crush is optional):
Former mentor(This is required if you are a warrior or older. If you don't have one, think up a random name!):
History(optional):
Password:
Does your cat believe in Starclan?:
Do you want me to pm you about updates?:
If there are no Queens in Stormclan at the time, do not submit kits under the age of 3 moons. Three moons is my set time in the story for kits to be weaned. Also, toms are desperately needed.
Ranks include:
Kit - 1-6 moons
Apprentice- 7-17 moons
Warrior - 18-44 moons
Elder - 45-? moons
Queen - 20-35 moons
Medicine cat - 20 - 44 moons
Medicine cat's apprentice - 7-19 moons
Well, after all that, I hope you'll stick around for the story!
The Story
Leafbare
Birchstar: It's the 6th of Leafbare, and I've stumbled upon an abandoned camp. I've noticed no border patrol around this area, and it's already a little sheltered, so I'll take it. I'll build more tomorrow, but for now, I need sleep.
Birchstar: Another day passed without Stormclan's revenge, as I focused on building. My throat is as dry as sand and my belly is a bit peckish. I'll have to make a freshkill pile soon.
Birchstar: I slept in by accident, and now I've got to hunt to make up for it. After this, I'll build more onto the camp and add some moss beds.
Birchstar says to herself in a half muttering half hopeful way: "The outer frame is mostly done, and all I have to do now is sleep and hope no Clan cats come in through a gap.." She dazes off into the great sky and Silverpelt above her, and heads to her bed drowsily and falls asleep. Little did she know, a dream from Starclan was waiting for her there.
It wasn't like any of here other dreams of Starclan, the forest was nowhere to be found. Instead, she could only see black, and a familiar voice whispered into her ear: "A misty stream can take care of many herbs." Birchstar's spine almost freezes in shock. Owlstar was there! She tried to turn around to ask him what he meant, but she woke up as soon as she turned, and whispered to herself: "Owlstar.." But before she could grieve, an unfamiliar scent hit her nose in a wave. A loner? She turned around, only to see...
A white cat! She ran over, and asked the cat if she was a Clan cat with a weary look in her eyes: "Are you from one of the Clans?"
The cat looked at her, and Birchstar was taken aback! She had never seen a cat with red eyes before, and yet.. "No, I'm not. Why are you staring at me like I popped out of a mousetail?" The cat threw back at her aggressively. Birchstar quickly calmed down and regained her posture. "Well, I didn't expect a cat to be here the first thing I woke up." She replied, trying her hardest not to twitch her tail in annoyance or amusement. "You put freshkill on a nice bed of moss, what in the world did you expect?" The white cat explained, an edge still in her voice, but now more subdued. Birchstar understood where this cat was coming from, as when she was just run out of the original Stormclan, her survival instincts were to be aggressive, but this cat seemed to have it in her nature. "Do you want to stay here?" She asked the cat. "I was wondering if you'd ask or not. I guess so. Two heads to hunt and fight is better than one. My name is Snowclaw, by the way." And, for the first time in a few days, Birchstar didn't feel so alone.
For the rest of the day they worked together. Snowclaw cleared the camp of unwanted snakes, and built a bit on it, while Birchstar went ahead to hunt a few stray frogs that came onto their border from Shadowclan. At the end of the day, after talking a while, she realized that Snowclaw was a better cat than what her initial impression told her. She returned to her nest and slept. She had the same dream as the night before, except it was no longer a whisper, but a clear and calm voice. She could faintly see her leader's mottled brown fur before waking up abruptly.
A yowl from Snowclaw was all she could hear. She stood bolt upright and rushed to Snowclaw, expecting a badger, or worse. "There's an enemy cat on our territory, Birchstar!" She yowled, her white pelt bristling. "Where?!" She asked. Snowclaw nodded into the direction of a she-cat with a mottled grey coat. After calming down Snowclaw, who still kept her eye on Birchstar from her nest in case she was attacked, she gently prodded the mottled grey she-cat.
Slowly, the she-cat blinked her eyes and got up, with a drowsy expression.After she had waken up fully, Birchstar began to question her. "Are you from another clan?" She asked calmly, a sliver of hostility in her eyes. The she-cat shook her head. "I'm a loner now," she replied. This cat had a neutral feel to her, and Birchstar continued: "I don't suppose you'd like to stay here? I'm rebuilding Stormclan and we need warriors." She explained, and the other she-cat's ear twitched in amusement. "But I'm not a warrior. I'm a medicine cat." The cat replied. The dream from earlier flashed into her mind. "And my offer still remains, but so you can be a medicine cat." Birchstar said. The cat thought for a bit and then nodded. "I can see your Clan is in need of help. My name is Miststream." And again, the dream flashed. But Birchstar felt a flare of confusion, then she quickly understood. Miststream was the misty stream in her dream, and surely good omens were coming if Starclan was sending her a medicine cat. The day was spent border patrolling and hunting, and after all three of them had eaten, they went to sleep. With a full belly and an assurance that Starclan was still with them, Birchstar drifted into slumber, while Miststream and Snowclaw stayed up for a bit and talked.
Newleaf
Birchstar woke up before the others, and for good reason. Today was the Gathering and Birchstar knew it would be rough. She was deep in thought when she finally smelled a Windclan scent. She got up and peeked out from the wall of her den, where she saw a white cat sleeping in the moss nest next to Snowclaw. Quietly, she walked over and prodded the stranger with a razor sharp claw. The cat was a light sleeper and woke up instantly, sitting up straight, with a calm look in her eyes. Birchstar smelled the clear, sharp Windclan scent from her pelt, and she guessed that this was some kind of mockery. "What is a Windclan cat doing on Stormclan territory?" Birchstar hissed, hackles raised slightly. The cat's expression remained calm as she responded. "Former Windclan cat, you mean. Thunderclan invaded us last night. I had to run away and become a loner-" Birchstar cut her off. "Why would you run from an invasion? All Clans get invaded." The cat's fur bristled and this time her answer was hostile and edged: "It devastated us. Windclan's a mess." The cats stared at eachother for a while, and Birchstar broke the silence. "Stormclan is in need of new warriors. If Windclan is as bad as you say, will you join us?" She asked confidently, to which the cat nodded. "My name is Frostheart." Frostheart said, regaining her calm expression. "I'm Birchstar. Will you come with me to the Gathering? We only have one other warrior, Snowclaw, who we need to guard camp." Snowclaw had just woken up and turned her head to Birchstar in disbelief. "You're bringing a former Windclan cat to the Gathering? We don't even know if she's loyal! What if you're attacked?" Snowclaw said, not with challenge, but with worry. "It's a Gathering, they wouldn't dare break the truce. You're right that we don't know if she's loyal, which is why I'm not leaving her to guard the camp." Birchstar pointed out. Snowclaw nodded, still a bit angry, and Miststream padded over. "When are we going, Birchstar?" She asked, glancing at the new cat but not asking any questions. "Now." Birchstar replied confidently, and gestured to Frostheart to follow them. Frostheart nodded and followed them out of camp.
Birchstar, for the first time in a long time, felt nervous. As she walked into the sight of all the other cats at the Gathering. They turned their heads to stare at Miststream and Birchstar and their unfamiliar scent. Nobody seemed to notice Frostheart, as she still bore the scent of Windclan. Hisses surrounded them as a few cats started yowling: "Rogues!" However, some cats, including all of the leaders, knew who she was far too well. Birchstar jumped onto the rock as Frostheart and Miststream took their places. She could smell the overpowering scent of confusion coming from many warriors. "Birchstripe, what is the meaning of this?" Skystar asked, his hostility clear. "It's a long story, Skystar. I am no longer Birchstripe, but Birchstar." She clearly and calmly stated. She delved into the story of how she had began to build Stormclan back, and that Starclan had approved, giving her nine lives and her leader name. The cats grew calm and she heard whispering all around her. "If Starclan approved, then it is clear. Stormclan is back." Skystar stated. "I agree. If Starclan has voiced their agreement, then Stormclan will stay. Do not think this gives you any right to hunt on our territory, however." Proudstar agreed, yet his voice seemed uncertain. Clearstar simply nodded and said: "It must be so." Finally, Rotstar looked like he was about to claw the other leader's faces off. "How do we not know she's lying?! For all we know, she's just hungry to be a leader and want to have a nice piece of territory." Rotstar raged. Birchstar glared at him. Even in her deputyship, Rotstar had never liked her. She suspected trouble. "How dare you accuse me of lying! Would Shadowclan really stoop so low as to accuse me of false approval from Starclan?" She challenged, forcing a calm tone. The Shadowclan cats hissed at her. "Enough! Remember the truce." Skystar hissed. "Let the Gathering proceed. I will speak first." Proudstar said confidently. He spoke of minor trouble whilst glaring at Skystar, and stated that Windclan is still stronger than ever. Birchstar could faintly hear a snort coming from Frostheart. As he finished, she stepped up to speak. "Stormclan has already been blessed with a medicine cat, Miststream, who seems to be very talented." She began, and Miststream seemed to flick her tail in embarrassment as the other three medicine cats cheered her name. "We have also found two new warriors, Snowclaw and Frostheart. That is all." She finished, while Proudstar had a look of disbelief on his face as Frostheart was mentioned, but he gave away nothing, to her disappointment. The Gathering continued, and the clans dispersed. She requested Frostheart to explore the territory a bit with Miststream, to find some spots that grew herbs. She found Snowclaw and thanked her for watching camp, and asked her to hunt. Meanwhile, Birchstar found thickets and brambles and continued to build the camp. As night fell, she was the last to sleep, feeling troubled. Finally, she drifted off to sleep and dreamt of dancing mice and thrush, twitching her whiskers all the while.
Birchstar woke up with a strange ache in her stomach. To her surprise, the moon was high in the sky. How long did I sleep..? She wondered. As she attempted to get up, the aching in her belly deepened. She laid back down. Was it something I ate? Her ears twitched as she heard a cat coming toward her den. Miststream walked into her den with a few herbs. "What are those for?" Birchstar asked quietly. "You weren't waking up earlier. I felt your stomach clenching and contracting in your sleep. You've got some sort of bellyache, so I went searching for herbs in the woods." Miststream explained. "I couldn't find any chervil, so I brought you juniper berries for your bellyache and dandelion leaves for the pain, but it isn't as strong as poppy seeds." She said clearly. Birchstar was impressed, even though it was a medicine cat's job to know these things. "You need an apprentice soon. You are young, and you'll be medicine cat for many moons to come, but your knowledge is valuable." Miststream nodded happily and quickly added: "Tell me if you have trouble sleeping, by the way." Birchstar raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Miststream left and Snowclaw came in. "Miststream told me you had a bellyache. I took over duties for today, and we built the apprentice den, made a medicine cat den, the nursery, and we'll need to do the elder's den and warrior's den next." Birchstar nodded. "Good. I hope you weren't too hard on Miststream or Frostheart?" Snowclaw shook her head. "Go get some sleep. You'll need it." Snowclaw left her den, and soon Birchstar drifted off to sleep.
Birchstar woke up early in the morning to an urgent shake from Miststream. "We've found a kit sleeping in the nursery. Come see." She said quickly, bounding off to the nursery. Birchstar stood up straight, her bellyache long forgotten. A kit was what they needed! As she ran to the nursery, she could hear rustling from the nursery. As she went inside, she saw a small kit, about three moons in appearance. She sighed in relief. Three moons was about the time a kit was weaned. The kit was staring at her silently, to her surprise. Usually, the kits she had remembered in Stormclan were balls of fur that would chatter your ears off. "Hello, little one. What's your name?"
Birchstar asked gently. "Silentkit." The kit said quietly, washing the back of her ear. "Do you belong to a Clan?" Birchstar continued, gentler than ever. Silentkit shook her head. "Where's your mother?" The kit shrugged, and after being asked to join Stormclan, nodded. This was by far the quietest kit she had seen in a long time, and it was a bit unsettling. Miststream seemed to have a soft spot for her, though. "Can I look after her for a bit?" Miststream asked, a longing look in her eyes. Birchstar nodded. She knew Miststream would never be able to have kits or a mate, so she understood why Miststream was acting this way. "Only for a little. At sunhigh you must leave Silentkit be and continue with whatever you were doing." She said. She left the nursery, and told the other two cats that a kit had joined Stormclan.
Birchstar woke up after a nap, and walked out of her den. Snowclaw and Frostheart were talking, while Miststream and Silentkit were playing. Butterflies fluttered around as Birchstar looked around camp. Today would be a day for building. Everything except the elder's den and the warrior's den was finished, so she called the other cats and informed them. Silentkit would be on butterfly duty, as she was still a kit, while Miststream was there to make sure Silentkit didn't wander off. Snowclaw, Frostheart and herself would be building onto camp. The day passed by dully, and Birchstar noted that Miststream was becoming attached to Silentkit, and vice versa. This wasn't a bad thing, but if she got too attached to the kit, it might affect her medicine cat duties. For now, she wouldn't worry. All she needed was sleep.
Birchstar woke up the next day and walked around. Silentkit was sleeping soundly, Miststream was sorting herbs and Snowclaw was sleeping. Frostheart was the only one who wasn't sleeping or busy, so Birchstar decided to talk to her for a little. "Birchstar, I've set up little nests to attract new cats to Stormclan." Frostheart explained. Birchstar nodded in approval. "Have you hunted yet?" Birchstar asked quietly, to a shake of the head from Frostheart. "Let's hunt together, then. The freshkill pile is dwindling." Birchstar decided, and Frostheart's eyes lit up. They hunted until sunhigh, and stacked the freshkill pile high. Snowclaw and Silentkit had woken up by then. "Birchstar, we need a border patrol." Snowclaw said impatiently. Birchstar nodded. "Frostheart can stay in camp. You and I will patrol the border, Snowclaw." They patrolled the borders, and they were clear of any other scent. As they headed back in silence, the moon was high in the sky and Silverpelt was clear. When they entered the camp, Birchstar saw a clump of moss growing near a flower. Snowclaw went to sleep in the warrior's den, and Birchstar laid down in her nest, her mind weary and her body tired. She slowly, but surely, drifted off to sleep.
Birchstar awoke in the middle of the night to rustling. She sneaked to the warrior's den, ears pricked and claws unsheathed. Was it an intruder? Riverclan scent wafted to her nose and her pelt bristled. Slowly, she crept inside and whipped around, to see a brown tabby she-cat, who seemed to be a moon away from becoming a warrior. She hissed at the she-cat and asked: "Who are you? What does a Riverclan cat want with Stormclan?" The apprentice glared at her for a second. "I heard Stormclan was being reformed. My mother and father love my sister, not me, so I decided to leave and come here. Happy?" She replied. Birchstar was still a bit suspicious. "Are you sure? You could go back, and I'd forget about this." Birchstar offered. "No. I'm staying here. You can't convince me otherwise." The apprentice replied stubbornly. Birchstar liked her spirit. "Alright, then. I'll need to know four things." "Go ahead." The apprentice said. "What is your name?" "Sparrowpaw." "How old are you?" "Sixteen moons." "Are you loyal to Stormclan and the warrior code?" "Yes." "Will you hesitate to attack a Riverclan warrior?" "No." Birchstar was impressed. Not a hint of hesitation or deceit was in the young she-cat's voice. "Welcome to Stormclan, Sparrowpaw. I will announce your arrival to the Clan soon. For now, get some rest. You'll be seventeen moons soon, and if you don't mess up, you'll be a warrior." Birchstar decided. Sparrowpaw's eyes lit up eagerly, but the she-cat nestled into her moss bed and relaxed. Birchstar left the warrior's den and went back to her own nest. The only question was, would the rest of the clan accept her? The idea of sleep was comforting as she drifted off.
Birchstar woke up, and went in front of Miststream's den. This would be the first time she had called the clan for a clan meeting. She was a bit nervous, but shook it off, and confidently yowled: "Cats of Stormclan, gather in front of the medicine cat's den!" Surely enough, all five she-cats gathered in front of her, a bit groggily, seeing as it was quite early. "A new cat decided to join Stormclan last night." She flicked her tail as a gesture for Sparrowpaw to come up next to her. "This is Sparrowpaw, a new apprentice. I expect you to welcome her as a new member of Stormclan. As she is an apprentice, I must appoint her a mentor." Birchstar paused, examining the small group of cats. Only two cats were able to handle mentorship, and it was a tough choice. Snowclaw seemed more compatible, but Frostheart might be able to teach her a gentler way. She examined the two cats faces. Snowclaw didn't really seem to want to mentor Sparrowpaw, and Birchstar guessed she wanted someone pure Stormclan to mentor. Frostheart seemed a bit hopeful, however. Birchstar turned to Sparrowpaw. "Sparrowpaw, your mentor will be Frostheart. I hope she will pass on all she knows to you." Birchstar then turned to Frostheart. "Frostheart, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have shown yourself to be brave and loyal. You will be the mentor of Sparrowpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." Birchstar stated. Sparrowpaw touched noses with Frostheart, and the other three chanted Sparrowpaw's name in welcome. "Sparrowpaw is sixteen moons of age and must become a warrior soon. Frostheart, consider this a challenge. Return to your duties, everyone." The small group dispersed, and Miststream walked toward Birchstar. "I must go to the Moonstone tonight. I wish to go alone." Birchstar nodded and went to check on Silentkit. Birchstar decided to spend some time with the kit. She brought a small moss ball and they began padding it across the den to eachother. It was soon apparent that Silentkit liked to be alone better than with others, but socializing a little couldn't hurt her. Today she was four moons, and soon she would have to be an apprentice. "Silentkit, is there any cat you'd prefer as your mentor? You'll be an apprentice soon, after all." Silentkit merely shrugged. Soon after, Birchstar exited the den to leave Silentkit to herself. Night had fallen, and Silverpelt was in the sky. The Clan was silent, and Birchstar checked Miststream's den to make sure she had left for the Moonstone. Sure enough, she was gone. Birchstar padded to her den wearily and rested in her nest until she drifted off.
Rustling and a sharp, unknown scent invaded Birchstar's nose and woke her up swiftly. My warrior name should've been Birchnose. Birchstar thought to herself irritably, and it almost reminded her of her sister, Sootnose. Poor, poor Sootnose. Birchstar got up quicker than a Windclan cat and checked Miststream's den hastily to see if she had come back. The she-cat was curled up sleeping, and Birchstar followed the scent to the warrior's den. Hopefully, it wasn't a rival Clan member, or else there'd be trouble at the Gathering. Swiftly, Birchstar stalked in, and saw a black tom feasting on a rabbit she had left in the warrior's den to lure in new members. The tom had noticed her scent, so he turned around. "Who are you?" Birchstar hissed, rousing the other cats in the den with the volume of her voice. Sparrowpaw guarded the left side so the tom couldn't escape. Snowclaw and Frostheart were behind Birchclaw, in case the tom tried to attack. "I'm a beautiful she-cat that descended from Starclan." The tom said sarcastically. "I'm Adderfang. I saw the Gathering, and I want to join your Clan." He continued. Birchstar was taken aback from the raw bluntness of his word. "How do we know you aren't a spy or a murderer?" Snowclaw hissed loudly from behind Birchstar, who had flicked her tail to silence her. "If I were a spy I'd have run for the hills, not stayed and feasted while waiting for you to come." He said coldly. Birchstar nodded. "I'm still not sure. Adderfang, I'll allow you in, but tread carefully. If I see you crossing borders, talking to a rival Clan cat outside of a Gathering or anything similar until I see fit to trust you, I'll exile you." Birchstar decreed. Adderfang's eyes glittered coldly, and Snowclaw was in outrage. By the time this had all went down, Miststream had come to see what all the fuss was. "What's happening?" The she-cat said groggily, her tail whipping back and forth in annoyance. Frostheart quickly came to her side and explained what happened shortly, and an awkward silence emerged. "Alright, then. Back to bed, unless anyone has anything urgent to tell me." Birchstar stated, glancing at Miststream as she said it. Miststream seemed to understand what she was hinting at, and flicked her tail at Birchstar in response. They headed to Birchstar's den as the other cats clamored into their nests. As soon as they entered her den, Birchstar sat down with Miststream. "Birchstar, I saw something at the Moonstone." Miststream said nervously. "Tell me, Miststream." Birchstar urged, nervously. "There was a prophecy, Birchstar. A storm is coming, but before there is acceptance, wind will disrupt it and thunder will come down from the shadows." Miststream stated. Birchstar's heart dropped slightly; This was the same prophecy she had when she got her nine lives and warrior name. Birchstar explained this to her and asked if there was anything Miststream understood about it. Miststream thought for a moment. "Well, I think that the storm that is coming is Stormclan. Maybe it signals our return?" Miststream mused, half to herself. Birchstar nodded. "If the storm is our Clan, then wind, thunder and shadows must be Windclan, Thunderclan and Shadowclan." Birchstar stated. Miststream nodded. "So, we'll have invasions. Prophecies are often misleading, Birchstar. We mustn't read too deeply into this. I think we shouldn't outright mistrust them, but we shouldn't exactly be soft and fluffy towards them either. I suggest to keep the neutrality we have between them, along with Riverclan as well." Miststream said wisely. Birchstar nodded once more, and her eyelids drooped slightly in her weariness. "Miststream, you're dismissed. Ask Frostheart if she and Sparrowpaw would like to help you search for herbs tomorrow." Miststream nodded and left the den. Finally, Birchstar laid down in her soft, warm nest, and drifted off.
Suddenly, Birchstar was in a galaxy of stars. She swerved around to panix, and came face to face with Owlstar, her dead leader. He was transparent and brown, and she turned to face him. Her heart lifted and dropped at varying times, with happiness and grief. "Owlstar!" She exclaimed, running up to him, almost bumping their foreheads together. Owlstar purred in both pride and happiness and bowed his head to her respectfully. "You have grown, Birchstar. I have been watching you from Starclan, along with Aspenwhisker." He stated, in his calm, kind way. Birchstar's eyes widened. Aspenwhisker..? But.. her mother was alive! "Aspenwhisker? I thought she survived the invasion!" Birchstar exclaimed, her voice cracking. "She did. Leafbare was unkind to her. Sootnose had escaped with her, but leafbare was unkind to your mother. She was almost 50 moons, and her body aged faster than any of us. I'm sorry, Birchstar." Owlstar explained, the regret clear in his voice. Despite all her rage and disbelief, her shock and grief, everything she had felt toward Owlstar the moment he expressed vulnerability towards the rival clans, she pitied her old leader. "You know, Aspenwhisker and I discussed you a lot as a kit. At one point, Aspenwhisker protested that Sootnose would be the warrior apprentice and you the medicine cat apprentice. It was funny that it went the other way around.." Owlstar trailed off. Birchstar realized that Owlstar was in deep pain, as well. Aspenwhisker was his littermate, after all. "Owlstar, if I've learned anything, it's that Starclan members appear to leaders for important matters." Birchstar hinted. "Ah, yes. Forgive me, I've turned into an old fool. You must appoint a deputy before the season ends, Birchstar. It's dangerous without one, you of all cats should understand." Owlstar said. Birchstar instantly felt pressured. "But who?" She asked him. He began to fade away, and Birchstar yowled out: "Owlstar, don't go! Not when I need you most!" As he faded away completely, she felt the grief, fresher than ever. "Owlstar!" She yowled once more, sniffing sharply for his scent, anything. And to her dismay, nothing was left. Her merry old uncle and leader was gone, at least for now. She turned behind her, and saw Silverpelt. She gazed at it for a while, until her sight faded to black.
After waking up, Birchstar immediately set up a border patrol. As she neared the border with Windclan, Adderfang was the first to smell a cat over the border. "Windclan cats, hunting on our land." Adderfang hissed lowly. As the patrol approached the two cats, they noticed blood in the grass and a rabbit in the mouth of a spotted she-cat. "Just what are you doing on our border?" Birchstar asked furiously. The spotted cat looked at Birchstar and snorted. "Hunting. It's our territory, mind you. Rogues don't get territory. Now run along, fleabag, before you get clawed." she said cheekily. Snowclaw hissed furiously and unsheathed her claws. "You're talking to Birchstar. Show some respect, birdbrain." Snowclaw growled, enraged. "Oh, this is the high and mighty Birchstar? Didn't know she'd be a walking tick magnet. We ran you off before, and we'll easily do it again." The grey tom accompanying the she-cat said. "I'll forget you said that if you drop the freshkill and get off our territory." Birchstar offered calmly, although she could've sworn she was seeing red. "We aren't afraid of mousebrained rogues, foxheart." The she-cat spat. Birchstar and Adderfang unsheathed their claws. "ATTACK!" Birchstar yowled viciously. Adderfang ran towards the tom with Snowclaw, and Birchstar took on the she-cat, who's eyes seemed rather confident. Birchstar raked a claw along the she-cat's tail, taking away patches of fur and deeply scratching the flesh underneath. The she-cat yowled in outrage and attempted to charge her, to which Birchstar responded by nimbly sidestepping and holding out her paw to rake the she-cat's flank as she charged past at the last moment. She distantly heard the tom yowl and run off, but she was more focused on the spotted she-cat. The fool of a cat didn't give up and tried to outsmart her, by staying limp as to show she was defeated. Birchstar was not a fool; she knew that once she went in front of her she'd get her muzzle raked, so she stayed behind and raked her tail once more. Finally, the cat ran off yowling, but the rabbit, in the end, was stained with blood and dirt and debris from the fight. Birchstar sighed and buried it. "Windclan will regret this at the next Gathering." Birchstar said darkly. They returned home, tired from the fight. Snowclaw went to Miststream's den(Miststream had just come back from herb gathering with Sparrowpaw and Frostheart), sustaining injuries. Adderfang was untouched, and the same was said of Birchstar. Wearily, she looked up to see the moon. This wouldn't do. Before the end of the season, she would need a new deputy. Who was up to the task? Who was fit to be deputy? No, more importantly, who could she trust? She thought long and hard, and finally came to a decision, as there was only one choice to begin with. She drifted off securely, assured that with a deputy, the Clan would be stronger than ever.
Birchstar got up and announced a meeting in the warrior's den. As all the cats poured in, some back from hunting, some back from patrols, and some from their dens, she explained why they were here. "I am here to appoint the deputy, urged by Starclan. The choice should be obvious, if we go by the warrior code. As you all know, warriors can only become deputies if they've had at least one apprentice. So I decided today would be better to appoint them rather than wait. I say these words before Starclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve my choice. The new deputy of Stormclan is Frostheart." Frostheart walked up to Birchstar proudly and bowed her head to her leader. Birchstar did the same for her deputy, and the cats cheered, with Sparrowpaw being the loudest. "That is not the only reason I called this meeting, however. There are some other urgent matters to discuss. Windclan cats crossed our borders, hunted and killed a rabbit and even mocked us. This is disrespect and it seems they take us as a joke." The small crowd yowled in anger, especially Adderfang and Snowclaw, who had been on that border patrol. "We had to fight them off of the border. This is trouble, and we will announce this at the Gathering. I want no plans slipping out to any rival Clan cat at the Gathering, not only Windclan. This doesn't mean you cannot interact with them. I want you all to try to find out some secrets, but you don't have to. Meeting dismissed." Birchstar ranted, outraged. She then stalked back to her den and had a moments peace, then went out to hunt. She set up border patrol, especially on Windclan borders. Eventually, when she came back, everyone was eating. She tiredly sat next to Silentkit and ate with her in silence. She knew the kit was happier alone, but she needed friends apart from Miststream, who coveted her. "Silentkit, you're almost six moons." Birchstar meowed gently. "You'll hunt by yourself and gain honor. But you need friends." Silentkit nodded at that. "I know." Silentkit meowed quietly. They finished eating, and Silentkit headed off to the nursery. She saw Adderfang alone, and approached him. "How are you getting settled into Stormclan, Adderfang?" She asked. "Well enough. Though, the mousebrain over there doesn't make it any easier." He flicked his tail toward Snowclaw, who was sharing tongues with Miststream, in annoyance. "It's in her nature. She's a good cat, you'll see. I'll leave you be, now." Birchstar left the tom to his thoughts and returned to her den, wearier than most nights. She thought of Owlstar, and his leadership. He was kind to us, and his kindness made us more loyal than fear ever would. Stormclan had an unfortunate history of aggressive and fear inspiring leaders, who all came to a bloody end. In fact, this was why the suffix -storm existed. They were violent, and the Clan was usually invading or being invaded. Owlstar made peace. She thought to herself, and drifted off, hoping to see Owlstar in her dreams again.
Birchstar woke up from a nap very late into the next day, due to a poke from Frostheart, who informed her of how well Sparrowpaw had been doing. "I honestly think we should do it now. She's worked so hard." Birchstar nodded, and summoned the clan to a meeting, except for Silentkit, who had apparently come down with whitecough somehow during the night. "I have summoned you all today for our first warrior ceremony. Sparrowpaw, as you all know, has been training hard. She has apparently passed her assessment with flying colors, according to Frostheart. It is not only this reason I have decided to make her a warrior, but for her virtues and her loyalty. Sparrowpaw, please come up here." Sparrowpaw seemed a tiny bit nervous, but proud and excited as she walked up next to Birchstar. "I, Birchstar, leader of Stormclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Sparrowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Birchpaw asked, faintly remembering her own warrior ceremony as she looked upon Sparrowpaw. "I do." Sparrowpaw said excitedly. "Then, by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Sparrowpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sparrowstripe. Starclan honors your determination and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Stormclan." Birchstar finished, as she rested her muzzle upon Sparrowstripe's head and felt the new warrior lick her shoulder. The roar of 'Sparrowstripe' that came from the other cats was surprisingly loud and Birchstar almost flinched. Almost. "Now, go uphold your vigil, and take pride in being the first Stormclan cat to go through the warrior ceremony." Birchstar said. The new warrior marched off happily. Birchstar distantly thought of how stubborn Sparrowstripe was as a apprentice, and dearly hoped that she would use that virtue for the good of her clan. The night was dark, and through a tiny hole through Birchstar's den, she could see Sparrowstripe sitting vigil. An unexpected smile arose onto her muzzle, and she slept through the night better than any rock could.
Birchstar woke up to a desperate shake and groggily stood up, attempting to seem alert. Miststream was in front of her, in a small panic. "Silentkit has greencough, Birchstar! I-I thought I could handle it, but I forgot to give her the herbs she needed yesterday because of all the excitement about Sparrowstripe's ceremony! Come with me, please!" She ranted, sprinting off to the nursery with Birchstar behind her. As Birchstar entered the nursery, the stench of sickness invaded her nose. Silentkit was coughing violently and wheezing. "This is impossible, this is one of the warmest Newleafs I've seen. How did she get greencough, Miststream?" Birchstar asked, confused as Miststream brought herbs. "Her coat is thin, and a few nights ago while you were away she went adventuring. I promised her not to tell you." Miststream confessed. "What? Miststream, you've got to be kidding! Nevermind, tell me what you're giving her. My sister was a medicine cat, I'll know if you mess up from stress." Birchstar offered, as Miststream nodded in grateful thanks. "We have no catmint, so I'm giving her chickweed for greencough, coltsfoot for eased breathing, dandelion leaves for pain. I've also given her juniper berries in case the coltsfoot doesn't work." Miststream listed off as she worked. Birchstar nodded. "Okay, make sure to hand out some tansy later while everyone eats, to prevent it from spreading." Birchstar added as she left the den. Birchstar went off hunting after that, and retired to her den early, bringing a mouse to her own den to eat. She drifted off quicker than usual, and she half-hoped she'd see Owlstar in her dreams.
Birchstar woke up coughing, and saw Miststream come in with herbs and a distressed look on her face. Birchstar knew what happened. Greencough? But.. Then it dawned on her. Last night, she was inside her den eating while Miststream was giving out tansy. Oh no. A wave of pain came over her as she continued coughing violently. "I'm sorry, Birchstar! I was handing out tansy, and I thought I had already gave some to you, and.." Miststream began to rant. "It's fin-" Birchstar interrupted herself with her own coughing and Miststream shoved herbs into her mouth to chew and swallow mercilessly. "This is my fault. Those are all the herbs you need, I need to go see Silentkit now." Miststream said and left quickly. Birchstar didn't even get to cough in peace before another cat approached carefully. Frostheart had come into her den to check on her. "Hey, uh, Birchstar? Are you okay? Wait, no, don't answer that, I know you're not okay. I, uh, I set up patrols and I went hunting. I hope you get better." Frostheart left quicker than Miststream. No doubt Miststream told her she couldn't stay too long. Birchstar thought unhappily. She tried to sleep the best she could through her own coughing, and it came quicker than expected. Birchstar suspected she had been given poppy seeds. Mice, thrush, rabblt, squirrel.. Birchstar repeated in her head till she drifted off.
(I put some hard work into that picture, phew! By the way, Owlstar is not Grumpy Cat
) Birchstar was in the forest next to Stormclan camp. She looked around in wonder: This was the first time she had been here. She knew she was overreacting, but she had never seen an inch of land beyond any clan territory, and she was wandering around. But somehow, she knew it was a dream. "Owlstar..?" She said curiously. Sure enough, his scent invaded her nose. She turned around, and saw him. He purred welcomingly. "This is no urgent matter, do not fear. I am here to tell you that you made the right choice." He said. "I can't stay long. This is no Starclan forest or dream, but of your own making. Also, Aspenwhisker told me to say hello." He continued, and began to slowly fade away. "Wait, what? Owlstar, come back!" She yowled in vain, and she knew it. Soon, he was gone, and his scent left with him. She sighed and began to look around. Aha! A fat, big mouse lurked in the corner of her eye, and she was careful not to alert it. She stood perfectly still, until the mouse tried to scurry between her paws as if she was a tree. A quick swipe, a bite, and it was over. Birchstar explored and explored, feeling as if she was a fresh apprentice, finally able to see the world outside camp. She wandered for a while, until her dream faded away. Happy and content, Birchstar continued her sleep, this time dreamless.
Greenleaf
Birchstar distantly heard someone calling her. Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she felt a sharp claw poking her as she scrambled to stand up. "Birchstar! Thank Starclan. You lost a life to greencough and the Clan is worried." Frostheart said, nervously padding along the ground. Birchstar spotted a younger cat, ginger and probably an apprentice. "Who's your little friend behind you, Frostheart?" Birchstar asked curiously, her tail whipping. "Oh, right. That's Applepaw. He came along earlier just as the sun was rising. His brother was with him, too." Frostheart explained awkwardly. "Was?" Birchstar questioned worriedly. "Now he's searching for herbs. He's a medicine cat apprentice, and he might be away for a few days. His name is Poppypaw, by the way!" Applepaw meowed, a bit nervously. Birchstar suspected that he thought he would be ran off, or something else. "If you haven't found out already, I'm Birchstar. Welcome to Stormclan, Applepaw. I hope you both will stay loyal to us." Birchstar said warningly. The apprentice smelled of Shadowclan, and she was worried. "Anyways, we need to show them we're strong. Today is the Gathering. Frostheart, tell Adderfang, Sparrowstripe and Miststream to be ready for the trip to the Gathering. You should be as well Applepaw, you're coming along, too." Birchstar concluded. Frostheart nodded quickly and ran off, while Applepaw's eyes widened a bit in shock. "M-Me?" He whispered, and an awkward atmosphere arose. "Yes, you. Unless you'd rather not?" She half teased. Applepaw stuttered something out and shouted he'd be ready for the Gathering. A few moments later, her chosen warriors (and medicine cat and apprentice) were ready. They headed off quickly.
Birchstar and her chosen arrived at the Gathering. Soon after, she saw Thunderclan and Shadowclan pour in. All the Clans soon arrived, and Birchstar was first chosen to speak. "Over the season, we've gained two warriors, and we've even gotten two apprentices, and a kit. Our new warriors are Adderfang and Sparrowstripe, formerly Sparrowpaw-" She was abruptly cut off by Clearstar, who seemed angered. "Sparrowpaw? She went missing a few days ago! Did you steal her?!" Clearstar questioned, angered. "Of course not, Clearstar. Through all of my thirty moons, have I ever seemed like a cat stealer to you?" Birchstar reasoned carefully. Clearstar shook his head, but continued: "I knew you as an apprentice, a warrior, and a deputy. As a leader, you changed. But I will believe this." He said, and no shouts of surprise came from the crowd. Sparrowstripe said she wasn't well liked in Riverclan.. Birchstar recalled. "As I said, we've also gained two apprentices, Applepaw and Poppypaw." She continued. Rotstar, however, wasn't pleased. "Poppypaw?! You can have Applepaw, for all I care, but Poppypaw was our medicine cat apprentice. You're a liar and a kit stealer, Birchstar!" He raged. Suddenly, the clouds started to cover the moon. "Starclan doesn't agree, Rotstar. They came to us, for a better life." She said smugly. The clouds cleared quicker than they came. Rotstar hissed quietly at her. "And finally, Silentkit is our only kit for now. Now, onto more pressing matters." Birchstar glanced at Proudstar. "Two Windclan cats crossed the border, a few days back. They hunted and killed a rabbit and mocked my Clan. What do you have to say for your Clanmates, Proudstar?" Birchstar questioned, a tone of offense rising. Proudstar glared at her. "My cats say you ran them off for no reason.I have nothing to say, except for this." Proudstar said. "From what we've all seen today, Stormclan are cat stealers, dangerous and rash. We made the mistake of trusting them last Gathering, and Windclan sees you as no Clan in the forest, but a group of rogues." Proudstar finished, the cries of Windclan cat's approval drowning everything else out. "I agree!" Skystar yowled. "And I as well!" Rotstar hissed. Only Clearstar stayed calm. "This is unreasonable, you three! If any of you try to run out Stormclan, after she's gained her nine lives and we agreed to let her stay, you'll curse us all with Starclan's wrath! I am on Stormclan's side for this. Birchstar, if you have any trouble, come to me." Clearstar offered, and Birchstar nodded in thanks. "Clearstar, you can go ahead." Birchstar offered, ignoring the hisses of the other Clans. Clearstar went on to report on tresspassing Thunderclan cats and new kits. Rotstar prided on saying his clan was stronger than ever, and Skystar reported troubles with badgers. The Gathering swiftly ended, and Stormclan padded back home to their warm nests and dens.
The next day, Birchstar was awoken by the pleasant hum of a bee and the loud murmur of cats walking around and talking. She got up and stretched appreciatively, then decided to go visit Miststream and see her new apprentice. They could've at least asked me before they appointed a cat medicine cat apprentice, Birchstar grumbled in her own mind as she entered the medicine cat's den. The sharp scent of herbs invaded her nostrils and a new, slightly sour scent emerged from it all. "Is this the apprentice I've heard about?" Birchstar questioned warmly. Miststream nodded in excitement. "He's really helping me out! He's had three moons of training before he came here, although I would have thought it was six! He knows marsh herbs well, too, so he'll do great if we ever expand our territory out there! Although, he is a bit lazy." She ranted, to the younger cat's embarrassment. "Nice to meet you, Birchstar." Poppypaw said calmly. "You too, Poppypaw. Take pride in your rank, for you're our first medicine cat apprentice." Birchstar purred. "Is Applepaw the first apprentice in Stormclan?" Poppypaw questioned. "Well, no. Sparrowstripe was." Birchstar said awkwardly, and vague disappointment spread across Poppypaw's face. "Then I won't take pride, for my brother's sake." Poppypaw concluded. Birchstar nodded. Absurd loyalty.. She thought. "Also, Silentkit recovered." Miststream added hastily. Birchstar nodded once more in relief and called a clan meeting outside. All the cats gathered hastily, and Birchstar cleared her throat. "I have not one, but two announcements to make. First, Silentkit is of age to be an apprentice. Silentkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Silentpaw. Your mentor will be Sparrowstripe. I hope Sparrowstripe will pass down all she knows on to you." She quickly called up Sparrowstripe. "Sparrowstripe, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Frostheart, and you have shown yourself to be determined and loyal. You will be the mentor of Silentpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." She watched the two touch noses and listened to the crowd cheer. "Furthermore, we have the matter of Applepaw's mentor. Adderfang, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from your former mentor, and you have shown yourself to be initiative and clever. You will be the mentor of Applepaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Applepaw." She saw Adderfang's eyes shine in surprise, as well as Applepaw's. She knew Adderfang was an unlikely choice, but he was the best choice, in reality. Frostheart just had an apprentice, Snowclaw wouldn't take a former Shadowclan apprentice, and Sparrowstripe had Silentpaw. The two touched noses, and a cheer of 'Applepaw' went around the camp, as if he was barely six moons. Birchstar felt a fluffy kind of warmth in her heart. She-cat leaders might not be able to have a mate or kits, but this is more than enough to replace that. She thought happily, but then realized she forgot the most important part. "There is also a third matter. The Gathering was earlier," Birchstar continued, and she saw the sun set, casting a blood red shade across the sky. "and I don't bore good news. Thunderclan, Shadowclan and Windclan have turned against us. Riverclan has become our allies, but the future is very dim for us if we don't stay on guard. I want two border patrols at dawn tomorrow, one across Shadowclan borders and one across Thunderclan borders." Birchstar finished, then dismissed the meeting. As she thought, Frostheart followed her into her den. "Will I arrange border patrols, Birchstar?" Frostheart questioned awkwardly, the light casting onto her pure-white body. "Yes, sure. I'll just rest for a moment, then I'll join the others to eat." Birchstar murmured tiredly, and as Frostheart nodded and left the den, she realized something. I haven't seen a single one of my warriors die yet, but it is likelier than not that I will live to see all of them die, only to be replaced with new ones. As the thought crossed her mind, she shook her head. They are not all rash. I will see one of them in the elder's den one day, at the very least. She quickly exited her den after resting and felt the warm, fading light of the sunset. She headed over to the freshkill pile and tentatively took a mouse. Her hunger was ravenous as an apprentice and warrior, but after she became deputy and eventually leader, it had lessened by a long shot. She sat next to Applepaw and decided to converse with the apprentice. "So, why did you leave Shadowclan?" She asked Applepaw. As she looked at him, she thought of her father, Tawnystorm. This cat was a spitting image of him, and it made her feel a strange sort of melancholy, but her ears were pricked to listen. "I wasn't very well loved in Shadowclan. That's because I'm a little nervous, and not so good at fighting. Poppypaw and I are inseperable, usually, so he came with me. I thought I'd get a better life here, and so far, I am." Applepaw explained himself awkwardly, his tail flicking all the while. Well, he's not wrong about the nervous part. Birchstar observed. "Well, I'm glad you came. Cats aren't made perfect, you know. Even if they're perfect in combat, they'll be bad at something else, like hunting, or socializing." Birchstar said wisely, surprising even herself. Applepaw nodded brightly. "I'm really good at hunting. I might have to learn a new strategy for it now, but I was better than most apprentices in Shadowclan." Applepaw said, although not in a boasting way. Birchstar nodded slowly. She had good fighters in her clan, but not many good hunters. Even though it was greenleaf, they could potentially starve if cats slacked off on hunting patrols or too many got sick. It was a frail time in their existence, and Birchstar hated it. "That's very good, Applepaw. Do you think you'll be alright with Adderfang?" Birchstar questioned quietly, unsurely. She wasn't sure when she picked him, but she assumed he would be more compatible than Snowclaw. "I think so. I'm just a bit glad you didn't give me Snowclaw. She's a bit too aggressive, if you ask me." Applepaw said, nervously checking behind him. By the time he said that, Birchstar had finished her mouse. "Alright, then. If anyone asks, tell them I'm in my den, Applepaw." She said, and as he looked over, she had returned to her den, the moonlight shining on her grey fur. That night, sleep was easy to come by, thanks to the tiring events at the Gathering.
Backstory
3rd of Leafbare
I run through the trees as cats chase me from their borders, yowling triumphantly and raking my flank as I pass them by. Blood spills onto the grass, but I keep running. They had destroyed my Clan, my home this night. I watched them destroy the nursery, kill the kits and the elders. I had warned Owlstar not to ask for help at the Gathering, not at this time in this cold leafbare, when the other Clans would attack at the smallest sign of weakness, to claim our territory and our hunting grounds. He had not listened, and I watched as he died. Our medicine cat had been slaughtered mercilessly, and I could do nothing. I was the deputy. No, I am the deputy. I will remake our Clan. Stormclan will not die out. I am Birchstripe, and I'm going to revive Stormclan. But before that, I must get my new name as leader.
4th of Leafbare
After making the long journey from my hiding place to the Moonstone while not being spotted, I received my new name, Birchstar. My lives were given to me and I will use them wisely, but a prophecy came with it. I remember it vividly;
A storm is coming, but before there is acceptance, wind will disrupt it and thunder will come down from the shadows.
I don't understand, but I will try. For now, I must find territory and build my Clan camp back. My claws are duller than ever, and my belly is empty, but I will make a camp, no matter what.
I run through the trees as cats chase me from their borders, yowling triumphantly and raking my flank as I pass them by. Blood spills onto the grass, but I keep running. They had destroyed my Clan, my home this night. I watched them destroy the nursery, kill the kits and the elders. I had warned Owlstar not to ask for help at the Gathering, not at this time in this cold leafbare, when the other Clans would attack at the smallest sign of weakness, to claim our territory and our hunting grounds. He had not listened, and I watched as he died. Our medicine cat had been slaughtered mercilessly, and I could do nothing. I was the deputy. No, I am the deputy. I will remake our Clan. Stormclan will not die out. I am Birchstripe, and I'm going to revive Stormclan. But before that, I must get my new name as leader.
4th of Leafbare
After making the long journey from my hiding place to the Moonstone while not being spotted, I received my new name, Birchstar. My lives were given to me and I will use them wisely, but a prophecy came with it. I remember it vividly;
A storm is coming, but before there is acceptance, wind will disrupt it and thunder will come down from the shadows.
I don't understand, but I will try. For now, I must find territory and build my Clan camp back. My claws are duller than ever, and my belly is empty, but I will make a camp, no matter what.
How to join Stormclan
It's easy to join, but if you read the paragraph at the beginning then you've heard about some requirements. Don't worry! These are simple requirements, and there are only three:
1) Your cat must have a traditional name! If you don't know how to create a traditional name, or you're having trouble, click on this link for a list of prefixes: Prefixes
And this one for suffixes: Suffixes
2) You must fill out the form needed for your cat(You don't need to fill out the optional forms, those are, well, optional.) You may be asking yourself, what form? After you finish reading the requirements, you'll see a form in the next section. The password is any random number in the hundreds. Be as descriptive as you want! Side note: If you're having trouble with your cat's personality, you could use this: A good thread
3) You know that your cat is able to get killed off in the story, and you accept that fact. I've already said this, but, well, y'know. I know a few people on other forums who feel hurt that the writer would kill off their characters and would start a fight. But this is The Warrior Cats and cats don't live forever.
1) Your cat must have a traditional name! If you don't know how to create a traditional name, or you're having trouble, click on this link for a list of prefixes: Prefixes
And this one for suffixes: Suffixes
2) You must fill out the form needed for your cat(You don't need to fill out the optional forms, those are, well, optional.) You may be asking yourself, what form? After you finish reading the requirements, you'll see a form in the next section. The password is any random number in the hundreds. Be as descriptive as you want! Side note: If you're having trouble with your cat's personality, you could use this: A good thread
3) You know that your cat is able to get killed off in the story, and you accept that fact. I've already said this, but, well, y'know. I know a few people on other forums who feel hurt that the writer would kill off their characters and would start a fight. But this is The Warrior Cats and cats don't live forever.
The Form
The form is as following:
Name:
Age:
Rank:
Description:
In-Game Pelt:
Personality:
Family and/or crush(crush is optional):
Former mentor(This is required if you are a warrior or older. If you don't have one, think up a random name!):
History(optional):
Password:
Does your cat believe in Starclan?:
Do you want me to pm you about updates?:
If there are no Queens in Stormclan at the time, do not submit kits under the age of 3 moons. Three moons is my set time in the story for kits to be weaned. Also, toms are desperately needed.
Ranks include:
Kit - 1-6 moons
Apprentice- 7-17 moons
Warrior - 18-44 moons
Elder - 45-? moons
Queen - 20-35 moons
Medicine cat - 20 - 44 moons
Medicine cat's apprentice - 7-19 moons
Well, after all that, I hope you'll stick around for the story!
The Story
Leafbare
Birchstar: It's the 6th of Leafbare, and I've stumbled upon an abandoned camp. I've noticed no border patrol around this area, and it's already a little sheltered, so I'll take it. I'll build more tomorrow, but for now, I need sleep.
Birchstar: Another day passed without Stormclan's revenge, as I focused on building. My throat is as dry as sand and my belly is a bit peckish. I'll have to make a freshkill pile soon.
Birchstar: I slept in by accident, and now I've got to hunt to make up for it. After this, I'll build more onto the camp and add some moss beds.
Birchstar says to herself in a half muttering half hopeful way: "The outer frame is mostly done, and all I have to do now is sleep and hope no Clan cats come in through a gap.." She dazes off into the great sky and Silverpelt above her, and heads to her bed drowsily and falls asleep. Little did she know, a dream from Starclan was waiting for her there.
It wasn't like any of here other dreams of Starclan, the forest was nowhere to be found. Instead, she could only see black, and a familiar voice whispered into her ear: "A misty stream can take care of many herbs." Birchstar's spine almost freezes in shock. Owlstar was there! She tried to turn around to ask him what he meant, but she woke up as soon as she turned, and whispered to herself: "Owlstar.." But before she could grieve, an unfamiliar scent hit her nose in a wave. A loner? She turned around, only to see...
A white cat! She ran over, and asked the cat if she was a Clan cat with a weary look in her eyes: "Are you from one of the Clans?"
The cat looked at her, and Birchstar was taken aback! She had never seen a cat with red eyes before, and yet.. "No, I'm not. Why are you staring at me like I popped out of a mousetail?" The cat threw back at her aggressively. Birchstar quickly calmed down and regained her posture. "Well, I didn't expect a cat to be here the first thing I woke up." She replied, trying her hardest not to twitch her tail in annoyance or amusement. "You put freshkill on a nice bed of moss, what in the world did you expect?" The white cat explained, an edge still in her voice, but now more subdued. Birchstar understood where this cat was coming from, as when she was just run out of the original Stormclan, her survival instincts were to be aggressive, but this cat seemed to have it in her nature. "Do you want to stay here?" She asked the cat. "I was wondering if you'd ask or not. I guess so. Two heads to hunt and fight is better than one. My name is Snowclaw, by the way." And, for the first time in a few days, Birchstar didn't feel so alone.
For the rest of the day they worked together. Snowclaw cleared the camp of unwanted snakes, and built a bit on it, while Birchstar went ahead to hunt a few stray frogs that came onto their border from Shadowclan. At the end of the day, after talking a while, she realized that Snowclaw was a better cat than what her initial impression told her. She returned to her nest and slept. She had the same dream as the night before, except it was no longer a whisper, but a clear and calm voice. She could faintly see her leader's mottled brown fur before waking up abruptly.
A yowl from Snowclaw was all she could hear. She stood bolt upright and rushed to Snowclaw, expecting a badger, or worse. "There's an enemy cat on our territory, Birchstar!" She yowled, her white pelt bristling. "Where?!" She asked. Snowclaw nodded into the direction of a she-cat with a mottled grey coat. After calming down Snowclaw, who still kept her eye on Birchstar from her nest in case she was attacked, she gently prodded the mottled grey she-cat.
Slowly, the she-cat blinked her eyes and got up, with a drowsy expression.After she had waken up fully, Birchstar began to question her. "Are you from another clan?" She asked calmly, a sliver of hostility in her eyes. The she-cat shook her head. "I'm a loner now," she replied. This cat had a neutral feel to her, and Birchstar continued: "I don't suppose you'd like to stay here? I'm rebuilding Stormclan and we need warriors." She explained, and the other she-cat's ear twitched in amusement. "But I'm not a warrior. I'm a medicine cat." The cat replied. The dream from earlier flashed into her mind. "And my offer still remains, but so you can be a medicine cat." Birchstar said. The cat thought for a bit and then nodded. "I can see your Clan is in need of help. My name is Miststream." And again, the dream flashed. But Birchstar felt a flare of confusion, then she quickly understood. Miststream was the misty stream in her dream, and surely good omens were coming if Starclan was sending her a medicine cat. The day was spent border patrolling and hunting, and after all three of them had eaten, they went to sleep. With a full belly and an assurance that Starclan was still with them, Birchstar drifted into slumber, while Miststream and Snowclaw stayed up for a bit and talked.
Newleaf
Birchstar woke up before the others, and for good reason. Today was the Gathering and Birchstar knew it would be rough. She was deep in thought when she finally smelled a Windclan scent. She got up and peeked out from the wall of her den, where she saw a white cat sleeping in the moss nest next to Snowclaw. Quietly, she walked over and prodded the stranger with a razor sharp claw. The cat was a light sleeper and woke up instantly, sitting up straight, with a calm look in her eyes. Birchstar smelled the clear, sharp Windclan scent from her pelt, and she guessed that this was some kind of mockery. "What is a Windclan cat doing on Stormclan territory?" Birchstar hissed, hackles raised slightly. The cat's expression remained calm as she responded. "Former Windclan cat, you mean. Thunderclan invaded us last night. I had to run away and become a loner-" Birchstar cut her off. "Why would you run from an invasion? All Clans get invaded." The cat's fur bristled and this time her answer was hostile and edged: "It devastated us. Windclan's a mess." The cats stared at eachother for a while, and Birchstar broke the silence. "Stormclan is in need of new warriors. If Windclan is as bad as you say, will you join us?" She asked confidently, to which the cat nodded. "My name is Frostheart." Frostheart said, regaining her calm expression. "I'm Birchstar. Will you come with me to the Gathering? We only have one other warrior, Snowclaw, who we need to guard camp." Snowclaw had just woken up and turned her head to Birchstar in disbelief. "You're bringing a former Windclan cat to the Gathering? We don't even know if she's loyal! What if you're attacked?" Snowclaw said, not with challenge, but with worry. "It's a Gathering, they wouldn't dare break the truce. You're right that we don't know if she's loyal, which is why I'm not leaving her to guard the camp." Birchstar pointed out. Snowclaw nodded, still a bit angry, and Miststream padded over. "When are we going, Birchstar?" She asked, glancing at the new cat but not asking any questions. "Now." Birchstar replied confidently, and gestured to Frostheart to follow them. Frostheart nodded and followed them out of camp.
Birchstar, for the first time in a long time, felt nervous. As she walked into the sight of all the other cats at the Gathering. They turned their heads to stare at Miststream and Birchstar and their unfamiliar scent. Nobody seemed to notice Frostheart, as she still bore the scent of Windclan. Hisses surrounded them as a few cats started yowling: "Rogues!" However, some cats, including all of the leaders, knew who she was far too well. Birchstar jumped onto the rock as Frostheart and Miststream took their places. She could smell the overpowering scent of confusion coming from many warriors. "Birchstripe, what is the meaning of this?" Skystar asked, his hostility clear. "It's a long story, Skystar. I am no longer Birchstripe, but Birchstar." She clearly and calmly stated. She delved into the story of how she had began to build Stormclan back, and that Starclan had approved, giving her nine lives and her leader name. The cats grew calm and she heard whispering all around her. "If Starclan approved, then it is clear. Stormclan is back." Skystar stated. "I agree. If Starclan has voiced their agreement, then Stormclan will stay. Do not think this gives you any right to hunt on our territory, however." Proudstar agreed, yet his voice seemed uncertain. Clearstar simply nodded and said: "It must be so." Finally, Rotstar looked like he was about to claw the other leader's faces off. "How do we not know she's lying?! For all we know, she's just hungry to be a leader and want to have a nice piece of territory." Rotstar raged. Birchstar glared at him. Even in her deputyship, Rotstar had never liked her. She suspected trouble. "How dare you accuse me of lying! Would Shadowclan really stoop so low as to accuse me of false approval from Starclan?" She challenged, forcing a calm tone. The Shadowclan cats hissed at her. "Enough! Remember the truce." Skystar hissed. "Let the Gathering proceed. I will speak first." Proudstar said confidently. He spoke of minor trouble whilst glaring at Skystar, and stated that Windclan is still stronger than ever. Birchstar could faintly hear a snort coming from Frostheart. As he finished, she stepped up to speak. "Stormclan has already been blessed with a medicine cat, Miststream, who seems to be very talented." She began, and Miststream seemed to flick her tail in embarrassment as the other three medicine cats cheered her name. "We have also found two new warriors, Snowclaw and Frostheart. That is all." She finished, while Proudstar had a look of disbelief on his face as Frostheart was mentioned, but he gave away nothing, to her disappointment. The Gathering continued, and the clans dispersed. She requested Frostheart to explore the territory a bit with Miststream, to find some spots that grew herbs. She found Snowclaw and thanked her for watching camp, and asked her to hunt. Meanwhile, Birchstar found thickets and brambles and continued to build the camp. As night fell, she was the last to sleep, feeling troubled. Finally, she drifted off to sleep and dreamt of dancing mice and thrush, twitching her whiskers all the while.
Birchstar woke up with a strange ache in her stomach. To her surprise, the moon was high in the sky. How long did I sleep..? She wondered. As she attempted to get up, the aching in her belly deepened. She laid back down. Was it something I ate? Her ears twitched as she heard a cat coming toward her den. Miststream walked into her den with a few herbs. "What are those for?" Birchstar asked quietly. "You weren't waking up earlier. I felt your stomach clenching and contracting in your sleep. You've got some sort of bellyache, so I went searching for herbs in the woods." Miststream explained. "I couldn't find any chervil, so I brought you juniper berries for your bellyache and dandelion leaves for the pain, but it isn't as strong as poppy seeds." She said clearly. Birchstar was impressed, even though it was a medicine cat's job to know these things. "You need an apprentice soon. You are young, and you'll be medicine cat for many moons to come, but your knowledge is valuable." Miststream nodded happily and quickly added: "Tell me if you have trouble sleeping, by the way." Birchstar raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Miststream left and Snowclaw came in. "Miststream told me you had a bellyache. I took over duties for today, and we built the apprentice den, made a medicine cat den, the nursery, and we'll need to do the elder's den and warrior's den next." Birchstar nodded. "Good. I hope you weren't too hard on Miststream or Frostheart?" Snowclaw shook her head. "Go get some sleep. You'll need it." Snowclaw left her den, and soon Birchstar drifted off to sleep.
Birchstar woke up early in the morning to an urgent shake from Miststream. "We've found a kit sleeping in the nursery. Come see." She said quickly, bounding off to the nursery. Birchstar stood up straight, her bellyache long forgotten. A kit was what they needed! As she ran to the nursery, she could hear rustling from the nursery. As she went inside, she saw a small kit, about three moons in appearance. She sighed in relief. Three moons was about the time a kit was weaned. The kit was staring at her silently, to her surprise. Usually, the kits she had remembered in Stormclan were balls of fur that would chatter your ears off. "Hello, little one. What's your name?"
Birchstar asked gently. "Silentkit." The kit said quietly, washing the back of her ear. "Do you belong to a Clan?" Birchstar continued, gentler than ever. Silentkit shook her head. "Where's your mother?" The kit shrugged, and after being asked to join Stormclan, nodded. This was by far the quietest kit she had seen in a long time, and it was a bit unsettling. Miststream seemed to have a soft spot for her, though. "Can I look after her for a bit?" Miststream asked, a longing look in her eyes. Birchstar nodded. She knew Miststream would never be able to have kits or a mate, so she understood why Miststream was acting this way. "Only for a little. At sunhigh you must leave Silentkit be and continue with whatever you were doing." She said. She left the nursery, and told the other two cats that a kit had joined Stormclan.
Birchstar woke up after a nap, and walked out of her den. Snowclaw and Frostheart were talking, while Miststream and Silentkit were playing. Butterflies fluttered around as Birchstar looked around camp. Today would be a day for building. Everything except the elder's den and the warrior's den was finished, so she called the other cats and informed them. Silentkit would be on butterfly duty, as she was still a kit, while Miststream was there to make sure Silentkit didn't wander off. Snowclaw, Frostheart and herself would be building onto camp. The day passed by dully, and Birchstar noted that Miststream was becoming attached to Silentkit, and vice versa. This wasn't a bad thing, but if she got too attached to the kit, it might affect her medicine cat duties. For now, she wouldn't worry. All she needed was sleep.
Birchstar woke up the next day and walked around. Silentkit was sleeping soundly, Miststream was sorting herbs and Snowclaw was sleeping. Frostheart was the only one who wasn't sleeping or busy, so Birchstar decided to talk to her for a little. "Birchstar, I've set up little nests to attract new cats to Stormclan." Frostheart explained. Birchstar nodded in approval. "Have you hunted yet?" Birchstar asked quietly, to a shake of the head from Frostheart. "Let's hunt together, then. The freshkill pile is dwindling." Birchstar decided, and Frostheart's eyes lit up. They hunted until sunhigh, and stacked the freshkill pile high. Snowclaw and Silentkit had woken up by then. "Birchstar, we need a border patrol." Snowclaw said impatiently. Birchstar nodded. "Frostheart can stay in camp. You and I will patrol the border, Snowclaw." They patrolled the borders, and they were clear of any other scent. As they headed back in silence, the moon was high in the sky and Silverpelt was clear. When they entered the camp, Birchstar saw a clump of moss growing near a flower. Snowclaw went to sleep in the warrior's den, and Birchstar laid down in her nest, her mind weary and her body tired. She slowly, but surely, drifted off to sleep.
Birchstar awoke in the middle of the night to rustling. She sneaked to the warrior's den, ears pricked and claws unsheathed. Was it an intruder? Riverclan scent wafted to her nose and her pelt bristled. Slowly, she crept inside and whipped around, to see a brown tabby she-cat, who seemed to be a moon away from becoming a warrior. She hissed at the she-cat and asked: "Who are you? What does a Riverclan cat want with Stormclan?" The apprentice glared at her for a second. "I heard Stormclan was being reformed. My mother and father love my sister, not me, so I decided to leave and come here. Happy?" She replied. Birchstar was still a bit suspicious. "Are you sure? You could go back, and I'd forget about this." Birchstar offered. "No. I'm staying here. You can't convince me otherwise." The apprentice replied stubbornly. Birchstar liked her spirit. "Alright, then. I'll need to know four things." "Go ahead." The apprentice said. "What is your name?" "Sparrowpaw." "How old are you?" "Sixteen moons." "Are you loyal to Stormclan and the warrior code?" "Yes." "Will you hesitate to attack a Riverclan warrior?" "No." Birchstar was impressed. Not a hint of hesitation or deceit was in the young she-cat's voice. "Welcome to Stormclan, Sparrowpaw. I will announce your arrival to the Clan soon. For now, get some rest. You'll be seventeen moons soon, and if you don't mess up, you'll be a warrior." Birchstar decided. Sparrowpaw's eyes lit up eagerly, but the she-cat nestled into her moss bed and relaxed. Birchstar left the warrior's den and went back to her own nest. The only question was, would the rest of the clan accept her? The idea of sleep was comforting as she drifted off.
Birchstar woke up, and went in front of Miststream's den. This would be the first time she had called the clan for a clan meeting. She was a bit nervous, but shook it off, and confidently yowled: "Cats of Stormclan, gather in front of the medicine cat's den!" Surely enough, all five she-cats gathered in front of her, a bit groggily, seeing as it was quite early. "A new cat decided to join Stormclan last night." She flicked her tail as a gesture for Sparrowpaw to come up next to her. "This is Sparrowpaw, a new apprentice. I expect you to welcome her as a new member of Stormclan. As she is an apprentice, I must appoint her a mentor." Birchstar paused, examining the small group of cats. Only two cats were able to handle mentorship, and it was a tough choice. Snowclaw seemed more compatible, but Frostheart might be able to teach her a gentler way. She examined the two cats faces. Snowclaw didn't really seem to want to mentor Sparrowpaw, and Birchstar guessed she wanted someone pure Stormclan to mentor. Frostheart seemed a bit hopeful, however. Birchstar turned to Sparrowpaw. "Sparrowpaw, your mentor will be Frostheart. I hope she will pass on all she knows to you." Birchstar then turned to Frostheart. "Frostheart, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have shown yourself to be brave and loyal. You will be the mentor of Sparrowpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." Birchstar stated. Sparrowpaw touched noses with Frostheart, and the other three chanted Sparrowpaw's name in welcome. "Sparrowpaw is sixteen moons of age and must become a warrior soon. Frostheart, consider this a challenge. Return to your duties, everyone." The small group dispersed, and Miststream walked toward Birchstar. "I must go to the Moonstone tonight. I wish to go alone." Birchstar nodded and went to check on Silentkit. Birchstar decided to spend some time with the kit. She brought a small moss ball and they began padding it across the den to eachother. It was soon apparent that Silentkit liked to be alone better than with others, but socializing a little couldn't hurt her. Today she was four moons, and soon she would have to be an apprentice. "Silentkit, is there any cat you'd prefer as your mentor? You'll be an apprentice soon, after all." Silentkit merely shrugged. Soon after, Birchstar exited the den to leave Silentkit to herself. Night had fallen, and Silverpelt was in the sky. The Clan was silent, and Birchstar checked Miststream's den to make sure she had left for the Moonstone. Sure enough, she was gone. Birchstar padded to her den wearily and rested in her nest until she drifted off.
Rustling and a sharp, unknown scent invaded Birchstar's nose and woke her up swiftly. My warrior name should've been Birchnose. Birchstar thought to herself irritably, and it almost reminded her of her sister, Sootnose. Poor, poor Sootnose. Birchstar got up quicker than a Windclan cat and checked Miststream's den hastily to see if she had come back. The she-cat was curled up sleeping, and Birchstar followed the scent to the warrior's den. Hopefully, it wasn't a rival Clan member, or else there'd be trouble at the Gathering. Swiftly, Birchstar stalked in, and saw a black tom feasting on a rabbit she had left in the warrior's den to lure in new members. The tom had noticed her scent, so he turned around. "Who are you?" Birchstar hissed, rousing the other cats in the den with the volume of her voice. Sparrowpaw guarded the left side so the tom couldn't escape. Snowclaw and Frostheart were behind Birchclaw, in case the tom tried to attack. "I'm a beautiful she-cat that descended from Starclan." The tom said sarcastically. "I'm Adderfang. I saw the Gathering, and I want to join your Clan." He continued. Birchstar was taken aback from the raw bluntness of his word. "How do we know you aren't a spy or a murderer?" Snowclaw hissed loudly from behind Birchstar, who had flicked her tail to silence her. "If I were a spy I'd have run for the hills, not stayed and feasted while waiting for you to come." He said coldly. Birchstar nodded. "I'm still not sure. Adderfang, I'll allow you in, but tread carefully. If I see you crossing borders, talking to a rival Clan cat outside of a Gathering or anything similar until I see fit to trust you, I'll exile you." Birchstar decreed. Adderfang's eyes glittered coldly, and Snowclaw was in outrage. By the time this had all went down, Miststream had come to see what all the fuss was. "What's happening?" The she-cat said groggily, her tail whipping back and forth in annoyance. Frostheart quickly came to her side and explained what happened shortly, and an awkward silence emerged. "Alright, then. Back to bed, unless anyone has anything urgent to tell me." Birchstar stated, glancing at Miststream as she said it. Miststream seemed to understand what she was hinting at, and flicked her tail at Birchstar in response. They headed to Birchstar's den as the other cats clamored into their nests. As soon as they entered her den, Birchstar sat down with Miststream. "Birchstar, I saw something at the Moonstone." Miststream said nervously. "Tell me, Miststream." Birchstar urged, nervously. "There was a prophecy, Birchstar. A storm is coming, but before there is acceptance, wind will disrupt it and thunder will come down from the shadows." Miststream stated. Birchstar's heart dropped slightly; This was the same prophecy she had when she got her nine lives and warrior name. Birchstar explained this to her and asked if there was anything Miststream understood about it. Miststream thought for a moment. "Well, I think that the storm that is coming is Stormclan. Maybe it signals our return?" Miststream mused, half to herself. Birchstar nodded. "If the storm is our Clan, then wind, thunder and shadows must be Windclan, Thunderclan and Shadowclan." Birchstar stated. Miststream nodded. "So, we'll have invasions. Prophecies are often misleading, Birchstar. We mustn't read too deeply into this. I think we shouldn't outright mistrust them, but we shouldn't exactly be soft and fluffy towards them either. I suggest to keep the neutrality we have between them, along with Riverclan as well." Miststream said wisely. Birchstar nodded once more, and her eyelids drooped slightly in her weariness. "Miststream, you're dismissed. Ask Frostheart if she and Sparrowpaw would like to help you search for herbs tomorrow." Miststream nodded and left the den. Finally, Birchstar laid down in her soft, warm nest, and drifted off.
Suddenly, Birchstar was in a galaxy of stars. She swerved around to panix, and came face to face with Owlstar, her dead leader. He was transparent and brown, and she turned to face him. Her heart lifted and dropped at varying times, with happiness and grief. "Owlstar!" She exclaimed, running up to him, almost bumping their foreheads together. Owlstar purred in both pride and happiness and bowed his head to her respectfully. "You have grown, Birchstar. I have been watching you from Starclan, along with Aspenwhisker." He stated, in his calm, kind way. Birchstar's eyes widened. Aspenwhisker..? But.. her mother was alive! "Aspenwhisker? I thought she survived the invasion!" Birchstar exclaimed, her voice cracking. "She did. Leafbare was unkind to her. Sootnose had escaped with her, but leafbare was unkind to your mother. She was almost 50 moons, and her body aged faster than any of us. I'm sorry, Birchstar." Owlstar explained, the regret clear in his voice. Despite all her rage and disbelief, her shock and grief, everything she had felt toward Owlstar the moment he expressed vulnerability towards the rival clans, she pitied her old leader. "You know, Aspenwhisker and I discussed you a lot as a kit. At one point, Aspenwhisker protested that Sootnose would be the warrior apprentice and you the medicine cat apprentice. It was funny that it went the other way around.." Owlstar trailed off. Birchstar realized that Owlstar was in deep pain, as well. Aspenwhisker was his littermate, after all. "Owlstar, if I've learned anything, it's that Starclan members appear to leaders for important matters." Birchstar hinted. "Ah, yes. Forgive me, I've turned into an old fool. You must appoint a deputy before the season ends, Birchstar. It's dangerous without one, you of all cats should understand." Owlstar said. Birchstar instantly felt pressured. "But who?" She asked him. He began to fade away, and Birchstar yowled out: "Owlstar, don't go! Not when I need you most!" As he faded away completely, she felt the grief, fresher than ever. "Owlstar!" She yowled once more, sniffing sharply for his scent, anything. And to her dismay, nothing was left. Her merry old uncle and leader was gone, at least for now. She turned behind her, and saw Silverpelt. She gazed at it for a while, until her sight faded to black.
After waking up, Birchstar immediately set up a border patrol. As she neared the border with Windclan, Adderfang was the first to smell a cat over the border. "Windclan cats, hunting on our land." Adderfang hissed lowly. As the patrol approached the two cats, they noticed blood in the grass and a rabbit in the mouth of a spotted she-cat. "Just what are you doing on our border?" Birchstar asked furiously. The spotted cat looked at Birchstar and snorted. "Hunting. It's our territory, mind you. Rogues don't get territory. Now run along, fleabag, before you get clawed." she said cheekily. Snowclaw hissed furiously and unsheathed her claws. "You're talking to Birchstar. Show some respect, birdbrain." Snowclaw growled, enraged. "Oh, this is the high and mighty Birchstar? Didn't know she'd be a walking tick magnet. We ran you off before, and we'll easily do it again." The grey tom accompanying the she-cat said. "I'll forget you said that if you drop the freshkill and get off our territory." Birchstar offered calmly, although she could've sworn she was seeing red. "We aren't afraid of mousebrained rogues, foxheart." The she-cat spat. Birchstar and Adderfang unsheathed their claws. "ATTACK!" Birchstar yowled viciously. Adderfang ran towards the tom with Snowclaw, and Birchstar took on the she-cat, who's eyes seemed rather confident. Birchstar raked a claw along the she-cat's tail, taking away patches of fur and deeply scratching the flesh underneath. The she-cat yowled in outrage and attempted to charge her, to which Birchstar responded by nimbly sidestepping and holding out her paw to rake the she-cat's flank as she charged past at the last moment. She distantly heard the tom yowl and run off, but she was more focused on the spotted she-cat. The fool of a cat didn't give up and tried to outsmart her, by staying limp as to show she was defeated. Birchstar was not a fool; she knew that once she went in front of her she'd get her muzzle raked, so she stayed behind and raked her tail once more. Finally, the cat ran off yowling, but the rabbit, in the end, was stained with blood and dirt and debris from the fight. Birchstar sighed and buried it. "Windclan will regret this at the next Gathering." Birchstar said darkly. They returned home, tired from the fight. Snowclaw went to Miststream's den(Miststream had just come back from herb gathering with Sparrowpaw and Frostheart), sustaining injuries. Adderfang was untouched, and the same was said of Birchstar. Wearily, she looked up to see the moon. This wouldn't do. Before the end of the season, she would need a new deputy. Who was up to the task? Who was fit to be deputy? No, more importantly, who could she trust? She thought long and hard, and finally came to a decision, as there was only one choice to begin with. She drifted off securely, assured that with a deputy, the Clan would be stronger than ever.
Birchstar got up and announced a meeting in the warrior's den. As all the cats poured in, some back from hunting, some back from patrols, and some from their dens, she explained why they were here. "I am here to appoint the deputy, urged by Starclan. The choice should be obvious, if we go by the warrior code. As you all know, warriors can only become deputies if they've had at least one apprentice. So I decided today would be better to appoint them rather than wait. I say these words before Starclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve my choice. The new deputy of Stormclan is Frostheart." Frostheart walked up to Birchstar proudly and bowed her head to her leader. Birchstar did the same for her deputy, and the cats cheered, with Sparrowpaw being the loudest. "That is not the only reason I called this meeting, however. There are some other urgent matters to discuss. Windclan cats crossed our borders, hunted and killed a rabbit and even mocked us. This is disrespect and it seems they take us as a joke." The small crowd yowled in anger, especially Adderfang and Snowclaw, who had been on that border patrol. "We had to fight them off of the border. This is trouble, and we will announce this at the Gathering. I want no plans slipping out to any rival Clan cat at the Gathering, not only Windclan. This doesn't mean you cannot interact with them. I want you all to try to find out some secrets, but you don't have to. Meeting dismissed." Birchstar ranted, outraged. She then stalked back to her den and had a moments peace, then went out to hunt. She set up border patrol, especially on Windclan borders. Eventually, when she came back, everyone was eating. She tiredly sat next to Silentkit and ate with her in silence. She knew the kit was happier alone, but she needed friends apart from Miststream, who coveted her. "Silentkit, you're almost six moons." Birchstar meowed gently. "You'll hunt by yourself and gain honor. But you need friends." Silentkit nodded at that. "I know." Silentkit meowed quietly. They finished eating, and Silentkit headed off to the nursery. She saw Adderfang alone, and approached him. "How are you getting settled into Stormclan, Adderfang?" She asked. "Well enough. Though, the mousebrain over there doesn't make it any easier." He flicked his tail toward Snowclaw, who was sharing tongues with Miststream, in annoyance. "It's in her nature. She's a good cat, you'll see. I'll leave you be, now." Birchstar left the tom to his thoughts and returned to her den, wearier than most nights. She thought of Owlstar, and his leadership. He was kind to us, and his kindness made us more loyal than fear ever would. Stormclan had an unfortunate history of aggressive and fear inspiring leaders, who all came to a bloody end. In fact, this was why the suffix -storm existed. They were violent, and the Clan was usually invading or being invaded. Owlstar made peace. She thought to herself, and drifted off, hoping to see Owlstar in her dreams again.
Birchstar woke up from a nap very late into the next day, due to a poke from Frostheart, who informed her of how well Sparrowpaw had been doing. "I honestly think we should do it now. She's worked so hard." Birchstar nodded, and summoned the clan to a meeting, except for Silentkit, who had apparently come down with whitecough somehow during the night. "I have summoned you all today for our first warrior ceremony. Sparrowpaw, as you all know, has been training hard. She has apparently passed her assessment with flying colors, according to Frostheart. It is not only this reason I have decided to make her a warrior, but for her virtues and her loyalty. Sparrowpaw, please come up here." Sparrowpaw seemed a tiny bit nervous, but proud and excited as she walked up next to Birchstar. "I, Birchstar, leader of Stormclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Sparrowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Birchpaw asked, faintly remembering her own warrior ceremony as she looked upon Sparrowpaw. "I do." Sparrowpaw said excitedly. "Then, by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Sparrowpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Sparrowstripe. Starclan honors your determination and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Stormclan." Birchstar finished, as she rested her muzzle upon Sparrowstripe's head and felt the new warrior lick her shoulder. The roar of 'Sparrowstripe' that came from the other cats was surprisingly loud and Birchstar almost flinched. Almost. "Now, go uphold your vigil, and take pride in being the first Stormclan cat to go through the warrior ceremony." Birchstar said. The new warrior marched off happily. Birchstar distantly thought of how stubborn Sparrowstripe was as a apprentice, and dearly hoped that she would use that virtue for the good of her clan. The night was dark, and through a tiny hole through Birchstar's den, she could see Sparrowstripe sitting vigil. An unexpected smile arose onto her muzzle, and she slept through the night better than any rock could.
Birchstar woke up to a desperate shake and groggily stood up, attempting to seem alert. Miststream was in front of her, in a small panic. "Silentkit has greencough, Birchstar! I-I thought I could handle it, but I forgot to give her the herbs she needed yesterday because of all the excitement about Sparrowstripe's ceremony! Come with me, please!" She ranted, sprinting off to the nursery with Birchstar behind her. As Birchstar entered the nursery, the stench of sickness invaded her nose. Silentkit was coughing violently and wheezing. "This is impossible, this is one of the warmest Newleafs I've seen. How did she get greencough, Miststream?" Birchstar asked, confused as Miststream brought herbs. "Her coat is thin, and a few nights ago while you were away she went adventuring. I promised her not to tell you." Miststream confessed. "What? Miststream, you've got to be kidding! Nevermind, tell me what you're giving her. My sister was a medicine cat, I'll know if you mess up from stress." Birchstar offered, as Miststream nodded in grateful thanks. "We have no catmint, so I'm giving her chickweed for greencough, coltsfoot for eased breathing, dandelion leaves for pain. I've also given her juniper berries in case the coltsfoot doesn't work." Miststream listed off as she worked. Birchstar nodded. "Okay, make sure to hand out some tansy later while everyone eats, to prevent it from spreading." Birchstar added as she left the den. Birchstar went off hunting after that, and retired to her den early, bringing a mouse to her own den to eat. She drifted off quicker than usual, and she half-hoped she'd see Owlstar in her dreams.
Birchstar woke up coughing, and saw Miststream come in with herbs and a distressed look on her face. Birchstar knew what happened. Greencough? But.. Then it dawned on her. Last night, she was inside her den eating while Miststream was giving out tansy. Oh no. A wave of pain came over her as she continued coughing violently. "I'm sorry, Birchstar! I was handing out tansy, and I thought I had already gave some to you, and.." Miststream began to rant. "It's fin-" Birchstar interrupted herself with her own coughing and Miststream shoved herbs into her mouth to chew and swallow mercilessly. "This is my fault. Those are all the herbs you need, I need to go see Silentkit now." Miststream said and left quickly. Birchstar didn't even get to cough in peace before another cat approached carefully. Frostheart had come into her den to check on her. "Hey, uh, Birchstar? Are you okay? Wait, no, don't answer that, I know you're not okay. I, uh, I set up patrols and I went hunting. I hope you get better." Frostheart left quicker than Miststream. No doubt Miststream told her she couldn't stay too long. Birchstar thought unhappily. She tried to sleep the best she could through her own coughing, and it came quicker than expected. Birchstar suspected she had been given poppy seeds. Mice, thrush, rabblt, squirrel.. Birchstar repeated in her head till she drifted off.
(I put some hard work into that picture, phew! By the way, Owlstar is not Grumpy Cat
) Birchstar was in the forest next to Stormclan camp. She looked around in wonder: This was the first time she had been here. She knew she was overreacting, but she had never seen an inch of land beyond any clan territory, and she was wandering around. But somehow, she knew it was a dream. "Owlstar..?" She said curiously. Sure enough, his scent invaded her nose. She turned around, and saw him. He purred welcomingly. "This is no urgent matter, do not fear. I am here to tell you that you made the right choice." He said. "I can't stay long. This is no Starclan forest or dream, but of your own making. Also, Aspenwhisker told me to say hello." He continued, and began to slowly fade away. "Wait, what? Owlstar, come back!" She yowled in vain, and she knew it. Soon, he was gone, and his scent left with him. She sighed and began to look around. Aha! A fat, big mouse lurked in the corner of her eye, and she was careful not to alert it. She stood perfectly still, until the mouse tried to scurry between her paws as if she was a tree. A quick swipe, a bite, and it was over. Birchstar explored and explored, feeling as if she was a fresh apprentice, finally able to see the world outside camp. She wandered for a while, until her dream faded away. Happy and content, Birchstar continued her sleep, this time dreamless.Greenleaf
Birchstar distantly heard someone calling her. Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she felt a sharp claw poking her as she scrambled to stand up. "Birchstar! Thank Starclan. You lost a life to greencough and the Clan is worried." Frostheart said, nervously padding along the ground. Birchstar spotted a younger cat, ginger and probably an apprentice. "Who's your little friend behind you, Frostheart?" Birchstar asked curiously, her tail whipping. "Oh, right. That's Applepaw. He came along earlier just as the sun was rising. His brother was with him, too." Frostheart explained awkwardly. "Was?" Birchstar questioned worriedly. "Now he's searching for herbs. He's a medicine cat apprentice, and he might be away for a few days. His name is Poppypaw, by the way!" Applepaw meowed, a bit nervously. Birchstar suspected that he thought he would be ran off, or something else. "If you haven't found out already, I'm Birchstar. Welcome to Stormclan, Applepaw. I hope you both will stay loyal to us." Birchstar said warningly. The apprentice smelled of Shadowclan, and she was worried. "Anyways, we need to show them we're strong. Today is the Gathering. Frostheart, tell Adderfang, Sparrowstripe and Miststream to be ready for the trip to the Gathering. You should be as well Applepaw, you're coming along, too." Birchstar concluded. Frostheart nodded quickly and ran off, while Applepaw's eyes widened a bit in shock. "M-Me?" He whispered, and an awkward atmosphere arose. "Yes, you. Unless you'd rather not?" She half teased. Applepaw stuttered something out and shouted he'd be ready for the Gathering. A few moments later, her chosen warriors (and medicine cat and apprentice) were ready. They headed off quickly.
Birchstar and her chosen arrived at the Gathering. Soon after, she saw Thunderclan and Shadowclan pour in. All the Clans soon arrived, and Birchstar was first chosen to speak. "Over the season, we've gained two warriors, and we've even gotten two apprentices, and a kit. Our new warriors are Adderfang and Sparrowstripe, formerly Sparrowpaw-" She was abruptly cut off by Clearstar, who seemed angered. "Sparrowpaw? She went missing a few days ago! Did you steal her?!" Clearstar questioned, angered. "Of course not, Clearstar. Through all of my thirty moons, have I ever seemed like a cat stealer to you?" Birchstar reasoned carefully. Clearstar shook his head, but continued: "I knew you as an apprentice, a warrior, and a deputy. As a leader, you changed. But I will believe this." He said, and no shouts of surprise came from the crowd. Sparrowstripe said she wasn't well liked in Riverclan.. Birchstar recalled. "As I said, we've also gained two apprentices, Applepaw and Poppypaw." She continued. Rotstar, however, wasn't pleased. "Poppypaw?! You can have Applepaw, for all I care, but Poppypaw was our medicine cat apprentice. You're a liar and a kit stealer, Birchstar!" He raged. Suddenly, the clouds started to cover the moon. "Starclan doesn't agree, Rotstar. They came to us, for a better life." She said smugly. The clouds cleared quicker than they came. Rotstar hissed quietly at her. "And finally, Silentkit is our only kit for now. Now, onto more pressing matters." Birchstar glanced at Proudstar. "Two Windclan cats crossed the border, a few days back. They hunted and killed a rabbit and mocked my Clan. What do you have to say for your Clanmates, Proudstar?" Birchstar questioned, a tone of offense rising. Proudstar glared at her. "My cats say you ran them off for no reason.I have nothing to say, except for this." Proudstar said. "From what we've all seen today, Stormclan are cat stealers, dangerous and rash. We made the mistake of trusting them last Gathering, and Windclan sees you as no Clan in the forest, but a group of rogues." Proudstar finished, the cries of Windclan cat's approval drowning everything else out. "I agree!" Skystar yowled. "And I as well!" Rotstar hissed. Only Clearstar stayed calm. "This is unreasonable, you three! If any of you try to run out Stormclan, after she's gained her nine lives and we agreed to let her stay, you'll curse us all with Starclan's wrath! I am on Stormclan's side for this. Birchstar, if you have any trouble, come to me." Clearstar offered, and Birchstar nodded in thanks. "Clearstar, you can go ahead." Birchstar offered, ignoring the hisses of the other Clans. Clearstar went on to report on tresspassing Thunderclan cats and new kits. Rotstar prided on saying his clan was stronger than ever, and Skystar reported troubles with badgers. The Gathering swiftly ended, and Stormclan padded back home to their warm nests and dens.
The next day, Birchstar was awoken by the pleasant hum of a bee and the loud murmur of cats walking around and talking. She got up and stretched appreciatively, then decided to go visit Miststream and see her new apprentice. They could've at least asked me before they appointed a cat medicine cat apprentice, Birchstar grumbled in her own mind as she entered the medicine cat's den. The sharp scent of herbs invaded her nostrils and a new, slightly sour scent emerged from it all. "Is this the apprentice I've heard about?" Birchstar questioned warmly. Miststream nodded in excitement. "He's really helping me out! He's had three moons of training before he came here, although I would have thought it was six! He knows marsh herbs well, too, so he'll do great if we ever expand our territory out there! Although, he is a bit lazy." She ranted, to the younger cat's embarrassment. "Nice to meet you, Birchstar." Poppypaw said calmly. "You too, Poppypaw. Take pride in your rank, for you're our first medicine cat apprentice." Birchstar purred. "Is Applepaw the first apprentice in Stormclan?" Poppypaw questioned. "Well, no. Sparrowstripe was." Birchstar said awkwardly, and vague disappointment spread across Poppypaw's face. "Then I won't take pride, for my brother's sake." Poppypaw concluded. Birchstar nodded. Absurd loyalty.. She thought. "Also, Silentkit recovered." Miststream added hastily. Birchstar nodded once more in relief and called a clan meeting outside. All the cats gathered hastily, and Birchstar cleared her throat. "I have not one, but two announcements to make. First, Silentkit is of age to be an apprentice. Silentkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Silentpaw. Your mentor will be Sparrowstripe. I hope Sparrowstripe will pass down all she knows on to you." She quickly called up Sparrowstripe. "Sparrowstripe, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Frostheart, and you have shown yourself to be determined and loyal. You will be the mentor of Silentpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her." She watched the two touch noses and listened to the crowd cheer. "Furthermore, we have the matter of Applepaw's mentor. Adderfang, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from your former mentor, and you have shown yourself to be initiative and clever. You will be the mentor of Applepaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Applepaw." She saw Adderfang's eyes shine in surprise, as well as Applepaw's. She knew Adderfang was an unlikely choice, but he was the best choice, in reality. Frostheart just had an apprentice, Snowclaw wouldn't take a former Shadowclan apprentice, and Sparrowstripe had Silentpaw. The two touched noses, and a cheer of 'Applepaw' went around the camp, as if he was barely six moons. Birchstar felt a fluffy kind of warmth in her heart. She-cat leaders might not be able to have a mate or kits, but this is more than enough to replace that. She thought happily, but then realized she forgot the most important part. "There is also a third matter. The Gathering was earlier," Birchstar continued, and she saw the sun set, casting a blood red shade across the sky. "and I don't bore good news. Thunderclan, Shadowclan and Windclan have turned against us. Riverclan has become our allies, but the future is very dim for us if we don't stay on guard. I want two border patrols at dawn tomorrow, one across Shadowclan borders and one across Thunderclan borders." Birchstar finished, then dismissed the meeting. As she thought, Frostheart followed her into her den. "Will I arrange border patrols, Birchstar?" Frostheart questioned awkwardly, the light casting onto her pure-white body. "Yes, sure. I'll just rest for a moment, then I'll join the others to eat." Birchstar murmured tiredly, and as Frostheart nodded and left the den, she realized something. I haven't seen a single one of my warriors die yet, but it is likelier than not that I will live to see all of them die, only to be replaced with new ones. As the thought crossed her mind, she shook her head. They are not all rash. I will see one of them in the elder's den one day, at the very least. She quickly exited her den after resting and felt the warm, fading light of the sunset. She headed over to the freshkill pile and tentatively took a mouse. Her hunger was ravenous as an apprentice and warrior, but after she became deputy and eventually leader, it had lessened by a long shot. She sat next to Applepaw and decided to converse with the apprentice. "So, why did you leave Shadowclan?" She asked Applepaw. As she looked at him, she thought of her father, Tawnystorm. This cat was a spitting image of him, and it made her feel a strange sort of melancholy, but her ears were pricked to listen. "I wasn't very well loved in Shadowclan. That's because I'm a little nervous, and not so good at fighting. Poppypaw and I are inseperable, usually, so he came with me. I thought I'd get a better life here, and so far, I am." Applepaw explained himself awkwardly, his tail flicking all the while. Well, he's not wrong about the nervous part. Birchstar observed. "Well, I'm glad you came. Cats aren't made perfect, you know. Even if they're perfect in combat, they'll be bad at something else, like hunting, or socializing." Birchstar said wisely, surprising even herself. Applepaw nodded brightly. "I'm really good at hunting. I might have to learn a new strategy for it now, but I was better than most apprentices in Shadowclan." Applepaw said, although not in a boasting way. Birchstar nodded slowly. She had good fighters in her clan, but not many good hunters. Even though it was greenleaf, they could potentially starve if cats slacked off on hunting patrols or too many got sick. It was a frail time in their existence, and Birchstar hated it. "That's very good, Applepaw. Do you think you'll be alright with Adderfang?" Birchstar questioned quietly, unsurely. She wasn't sure when she picked him, but she assumed he would be more compatible than Snowclaw. "I think so. I'm just a bit glad you didn't give me Snowclaw. She's a bit too aggressive, if you ask me." Applepaw said, nervously checking behind him. By the time he said that, Birchstar had finished her mouse. "Alright, then. If anyone asks, tell them I'm in my den, Applepaw." She said, and as he looked over, she had returned to her den, the moonlight shining on her grey fur. That night, sleep was easy to come by, thanks to the tiring events at the Gathering.
